Visit 3,000-year-old house

MEMBERS of the public are being invited to step back in time and visit one of the oldest buildings ever excavated in Achill.

Achill Archaeological Field School are holding an excavation open day at the site of a 3,000-year-old Bronze Age house on Slievemore on August 3 from 2 to 6 p.m. 

The open day is a chance for locals, tourists and interested members of the public to see a real archaeological dig in action and to learn about life in Achill over 3,000 years ago. 

A team of archaeologists and students from Achill Field School have been excavating at the house since the start of July. The house, a large stone and earth structure, has been carbon dated to between 1409 and 1229 BC, making it one of the oldest buildings ever excavated in Achill. 

Site director Eve Campbell said: “The Slievemore roundhouse is one of the finest Bronze Age houses ever excavated in Ireland. Its unique setting under Achill's blanket bog has resulted in excellent preservation of this complex building.  

“At most Bronze Age house sites we only find postholes and other ephemeral traces whereas here on Slievemore we have entire walls surviving. 

“This is the third Bronze Age roundhouse that Achill Archaeological Field School has excavated on Slievemore; it was clearly a very important place 3,000 years ago.â€

Site supervisor Jacob Kalodner added: “The open day is an excellent opportunity for people to come and see a 3,000-year-old house. We've been painstakingly excavating the site for the last three weeks and we're excited to share our findings with the public.â€

The site is located 150m west of the megalithic tomb on Slievemore, and is accessed via a short, steep path. Visitors are advised to wear suitable footwear.