Group of international archaeology students visit monastic site

A group of international archaeologists who are studying at the Irish Heritage School visited the Lemanaghan Monastic site recently.

Kevin O’Dwyer co-author of the recent book “Saint Manchan's Shrine, Art and Devotion in 12th Century Ireland” brought the group on a guided tour around the monastic site with the help of members of the local community.

This visit was a significant event for the Lemanaghan Bog Heritage and Conservation group as it provided an opportunity for experts to explore one of the most important and well-preserved early Christian sites in Ireland. The Lemanaghan monastic site is a complex of buildings and structures that dates back to the 7th century and is considered to be one of the most important early Christian sites in Offaly and Ireland. The international team of archaeologists included experts from different parts of the world, including the United States, was headed by Dr Denis Shine.

Their visit was aimed at studying the site and its historical significance, as well as to assess the conservation and management practices of the site. During their visit, the archaeologists were shown the various structures and buildings that make up the complex including Saint Manchan's church, Saint Mella's Cell, cemetery, the holy well, the old school house and the remains of Lemanaghan Castle. They also reviewed the early Christian stone artifacts found at the site, including one very precious stone located in the graveyard.

The visit emphasises the importance of international collaboration in the field of archaeology, as experts from different parts of the world come together to study and understand the site's significance. The Lemanaghan Bog Heritage and Conservation group are looking forward to welcoming Denis and his students from Irish Heritage schools back again in the near future.