OVERVIEW OF CARRICKMINES FORUM

Dr David Edwards, a historian at University College Cork, in association with The Friends of Medieval Dublin, has organised a national conference on the archaeological excavations at Carrickmines Castle that were recently halted by ministerial order. Titled 'The Carrickmines Forum', the gathering is intended to improve public awareness of the historical and cultural importance of the castle site and to discuss how best to deal with the present impasse. Comprising a panel of experts from six universities, it will seek to examine Carrickmines from a variety of perspectives, through comparative analysis indicating the extent to which the excavations improve knowledge of Irish political, cultural, social and economic conditions for the period c. 1200 to c. 1650. Although since the summer the excavations have been the focus of an extensive media campaign much remains to be said regarding the site and its context. It is not generally recognised, for instance, that as a partly excavated medieval manor, Carrickmines is unique. Equally remarkable is the fact that the remains of some of the women and children killed in the siege of 1642 were discovered at the site. There is no grislier reminder of the sectarian violence of the mid-seventeenth century anywhere in the country. Regarding the future of Carrickmines, speakers will discuss whether to preserve the site in its entirety or settle for finishing the excavations properly.

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In addition, representatives of the 'Carrickminders' (Mr Ruadhan Mac Eoin from An Taisce and Mr Vincent Salafia of the Brehon Law Project) will be present to publicise their activities and seek funds for continuing their occupation of the site.