This spring will see the start of new research work on the archaeology of our parish. The project is called “Glencolmcille – A survey of Ritual and Religious sites”. It will involve using geophysical surveying techniques to look for underground remains of long gone structures and features. The project is being sponsored by Oideas Gael and the National Heritage Council.

The promotion of our national culture and heritage has been the primary objective of Oideas Gael since its foundation in 1987. With the support of the National Heritage Council’s Local Heritage Scheme; Oideas Gael has undertaken to further its goals by promoting the “Glencolmcille - A Survey of Ritual and Religious Sites” archaeological research project. Glencolmcille parish in Co. Donegal is famous for its archaeological heritage with 135 entries listed on the national Record of Monuments and Paces (RMP). The two glacial valleys of Glencolmcille and Malinmore are particularly rich in Early Christian (400AD-1169AD) and Neolithic (4000BC-2500BC) monuments respectively. Many of these monuments stand alone without clearly defined association and context. This project sets out to begin a new phase of archaeological research by carrying out a three year programme of geophysical surveying at selected sites.