The inaugural Skellig Coast Archaeology Festival takes place over three days from November 17-19 along the Skellig Coast in Castlecove, Caherdaniel, Waterville, and Portmagee.
Organised by Aoibheann Lambe, a local archaeologist behind Rock Art Kerry and Tourism Officer with the Comhchoiste Ghaeltacht Uíbh Ráthaigh, the festival will focus on the transition from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age, highlighting the diversity and importance of archaeological sites in the area around 4,500 years ago.
Festival attendees will have the opportunity to visit Bronze Age copper mines, megalithic-era rock carvings, and the Drowned Forest at Bunaneer, among other sites.
The program includes talks and presentations by archaeologists, historians, researchers, and experts discussing various topics such as archaeological fieldwork, holy wells, ancient symbols, and Bronze Age finds.
The festival also features an early evening stargazing event conducted in Irish, with a presentation designed to be enjoyable for non-Irish speakers as well.
The festival is a collaboration between Heritage Iveragh/Oidhreacht Uíbh Ráthaigh and Comhchoiste Ghaeltacht Uíbh Ráthaigh, supported by the Kerry County Council Community Fund and An Plean Teanga Uíbh Ráthaigh, with sponsorship from Skellig Shamrock.
