The Blackfriary Community Archaeology Project

It's a busy time. This weekend sees the Hay Festival in Kells, the Swift Satire Festival takes place next weekend in Trim and early next week there is an archaeology conference in Trim.


Power, Prayer and Public Archaeology, a conference in celebration of 750 years since the foundation of the Black Friary, Trim will be held on 2nd-3rd July 2013 in the Knightsbrook Hotel Spa & Golf Resort, Dublin Road, Trim.

More details and the full programme are available here.

The Blackfriary Community Archaeology Project is an initiative of the Irish Archaeology Field School, Cultural Tourism Ireland and Meath Local Authorities working in partnership with the local community and stakeholders.

The project aims to carry out a detailed archaeological investigation of the Black Friary; a four acre site including the ruins of the thirteenth century Dominican Friary, once a significant part of the history of the medieval town of Trim.

This project is engaging with the local community and stakeholders, to conserve the site and create a space where community and visitors alike can explore heritage and use the site in a sustainable way. I attended the recent open day there and was impressed by the site and the discoveries being made.


The Blackfriary Community Archaeology Project and the heritage of Trim has been included in the National Geographic book ‘100 Places That Can Change Your Child’s Life,’ (2013). Author Keith Bellows, in an interview with CNN Travel listed his Top 10 experiences from the book; which included Trim and the
archaeological project at the Black Friary.

For more information about the Irish Archaeology Field School and the Blackfriary Community Archaeology Project go to the website or the Facebook page.