Digging into the Bog: Archaeological Finds & the work of Seamus Heaney

Following the discovery of the remains of a prehistoric individual in October 2023 in bogland near Bellaghy, National Museums NI (NMNI) were engaged as the organisation responsible for preserving archaeological finds from our past. Confirmed to have lived during the Iron Age, this represents the first authenticated prehistoric bog preserved human remains found in Northern Ireland. This event is a collaboration between NMNI and Seamus Heaney HomePlace Centre, as part of a programme of events to mark the 50th anniversary of the publication of Heaney’s poetry collection North.

This one-day symposium brings together experts in the field of prehistoric bog bodies and the poetry of Seamus Heaney. Speakers will explore Iron Age culture and society on this island and beyond, highlight the importance of bogland in Northern Ireland and its unique preservation qualities for archaeological material culture, and look at the poetry of Heaney inspired by our ancient past.

A full schedule of the day's presentations will be sent to ticket holders in the new year.