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Archaeological Project At Gainstown National School, Mullingar

Posted By: Orlaith Egan - 23 Feb 2006

An archaeological school project was held at Gainstown National School in January this year to introduce primary school children to archaeology and history in their locality. The project focused on the work of the archaeologist, osteoarchaeologist and museum curator. A series of presentations were given by archaeologists (Ronan Swan & Orlaith Egan, Westmeath County Council, Project Office), an osteoarchaeologist (Dr. Pat Quinney, Valerie J. Keeley Ltd.) and a museum education officer (Sara Cummins, National Museum of Ireland).

Gainstown school childrens visit to Rochfort demesne excavations

In the course of the project, children had an opportunity to visit the archaeological excavation at Rochfort Demesne, which was excavated by Valerie J Keeley Ltd. as part of the N52 Mullingar Belvedere Realignment. It enabled the students to experience first hand how archaeologists excavate a site and what exciting evidence they uncovered.

Fourth class children learning how to survey at the Rochfort Demesne excavations

The National Museum of Ireland also introduced the children to the many wonderful artefacts found in their local area and from County Westmeath. They had a chance to experience what people wore in early medieval times and what implements they used and how they used them.

Sara Cummins of the NMI and fourth class school children dressed in Viking costumes

The children also participated in a workshop held by Montague Heritage Services, which recreated life in early medieval society.

Montague Heritage Services workshop

Fourth class student and Alan Montague dressed as early medieval noble men

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all parties who participated in the project namely the students and teachers of Gainstown National School, Sara Cummins from the National Museum of Ireland, Dr Pat Quinney and John Channing of Valerie J Keeley Ltd. I would also like to thank Bernadette Guest, Heritage Officer with Westmeath County Council for providing partial funding for the project.

This project was organised by Westmeath County Council National Road Design Office.

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