Public invited to tour and artefact display from Derry archaeological dig

A major archaeological dig close to Derry's famous Walls will conclude this weekend with a excavation site tour and artefact display.

The public are invited to join members of Queen’s University Centre for Community Archaeology and the Friends of The Derry Walls for a tour of the excavation site at Nailor’s Row (off Orchard Row, Bishop Street) followed by a showcase of the archaeological finds from the recent dig beside Derry’s historic Walls, in the Verbal Arts Centre.

The excavation site tour led by Ruairi O'Baoill, Dig Director, will take place at the Nailor’s Row dig site on Saturday from 11.30am - 12.30pm, with the tour ending at the Verbal Arts Centre.

Following the tour, the public can see a display of artefacts discovered during the week-long excavation, followed by project discussions with the CAPNI Team and Friends of the Derry Walls in the Verbal Arts Centre.

The dig focused on a grassy bank at Nailor's Row, overlooking the city's Bogside, which is believed to be a 17th century defensive ditch.

Pupils from local schools and members of the public were also involved in the excavation.

In 2013, the last time an archaeological dig took place in the city, a number of skeletons, thought to date back to the 17th Century, were uncovered at a site within the walls.

The event is free, and no booking is required. Just turn up at 11.30am at the dig site at Nailor's Row. Remember to wrap up!