The ancient and exotic will be revealed on Northern Ireland 's Archaeology Days next month. In Bangor today, DOE's Environment and Heritage Service announced a series of archaeology events on the June Summer Solstice which it has coordinated with other organisations.

Members of the North Down Heritage Centre's Young Archaeologists Club took part in today's launch eager to uncover as much as they could about the dozens of events.

Dr Chris Lynn of EHS explained:

Have you ever wanted to see what happens at an archaeological dig or see the rebuilding of a wedge tomb? Do you want to see demonstrations of ancient weaponry and crafts at close quarters or perhaps take a tour of an ancient battlesite?

Well, Archaeology Days will provide these opportunities for everyone, of all ages, with the chance to gain an unique insight into Northern Ireland's past.

We are fortunate that Northern Ireland 's heritage is richly diverse and this is reflected in the variety of events which will take place over the 19-21 June weekend. Many will be free of charge and I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to join us and discover our past through archaeology!

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The Northern Ireland Archaeology Days Information leaflet was launched at North Down Heritage Centre, Castle Park, Bangor at 3 pm on Thursday 27 May 2004.
2. Free leaflets with Map are available from Libraries and Tourist Information Centres throughout Northern Ireland. Archaeology Days information is also available on the website
3. This is the first time in several years that Northern Ireland has provided archaeological events throughout the country. It has the support of CBA, the Council of British Archaeology which sponsors an annual Archaeology Day in England and Wales during July and in Scotland each September.
4. The Young Archaeologists Club (YAC) has 72 branches in the UK, and currently two in Northern Ireland , at North Down Heritage Centre in Bangor and at Down County Museum in Downpatrick. Membership provides 8 16 year olds with an opportunity to find out about local archaeology and get involved in archaeological projects. These can include anything from excavation work to cooking a medieval meal. Members also get free entry to many UK sites and monuments, including Northern Ireland 's Bellaghy Bawn, Carrickfergus and Dunluce Castles. More information on YAC can be found on www.britarch.ac.uk
5. The following are some of the events taking place:
6. Open day at the school of Archaeology and Palaeoecology QUB, and try your hand at turning your own prehistoric pottery in the Ulster Museum;
7. Lisburn Castle Gardens excavation, Conservation workshops, Moira, and demonstrations of 17th-century weaponry at Dunluce Castle;
8. Tour of the site of the Battle of Yellow Ford and other historic monuments in Co. Armagh;
9. Egyptian themed arts and crafts at Down Museum, conservation in action at Greyabbey, tour of Bagenal's Castle, Newry, 20th-century defensive Fort at Greypoint Fort, and the landscape of Castle Ward;
10. Art, death and genealogy on Devenish Island , and exhibitions in Fermanagh County Museum ;
11. A Mock archaeological dig in Londonderry, the 17th-century plantation site at Bellaghy, and Strabane's monuments in stone;
12. Rebuilding of Ballybriest tomb near An Creagan and tours of Newtownstewart and Harry Avery's Castles in Tyrone.
13. Further Media information contact Paddy Murphy DOE Information Office Tel: 028 90 540014 / Email paddy.murphy@doeni.gov.uk