About the Project
Through a £10,000 All Our Stories grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Year 6 pupils from Mill Strand had been exploring the fascinating history of Dunluce Castle and the ‘forgotten town’ recently uncovered outside its walls. The project culminated on the 5th June 2013 with a colourful and entertaining event, including living history performances, music, dance and medieval games.
The day was a huge success, bringing together Mill Strand Pupils, pupils from Tayvallich and from local schools, members the local community and members of the general public, including visiting tourists.
The day was a huge success, bringing together Mill Strand Pupils, pupils from Tayvallich and from local schools, members the local community and members of the general public, including visiting tourists.
Throughout 2012 and 2013, the Year 6 pupils took part in a diverse programme of tours and workshops with archaeologists and researchers from the University of Ulster. They have discovered the long standing connections between this part of Ireland and Scotland, from the Kingdom of Dalriada in the 6th century through to the 17th century, when Dunluce Castle was the principal seat of the MacDonnells, the Earls of Antrim. Dr Colin Breen has led new archaeological research into the influence and legacy of the MacDonnells, who controlled a powerful maritime lordship that stretched from the Glens of Antrim to the Western Isles of Scotland.
‘The archaeological discoveries being unearthed at Dunluce are extraordinary and are significantly changing the way we view past societies in Ulster’ said Dr. Breen. ‘What makes this journey more exciting and rewarding has been the involvement of local communities with this project. Mill Strand’s involvement has been very innovative and has greatly added to the project’s success.’
Mill Strand pupils not only learnt from a tour of Dunluce Castle and town, but also visited Bonamargy Friary and Ballycastle, where the MacDonnells also had a strong influence, as well as Glenarm Castle, which is the family’s current residence. Through Dr. Colin Breen and his colleagues, the pupils have learnt how archaeologists examine and interpret archival evidence, historic buildings and artefacts recovered during excavation to discover how people lived in the past. They also had a unique opportunity to partner with a Scottish primary school from Tayvallich in Argyll. Mill Strand pupils spent three days in Argyll learning from Tayvallich Primary about their archaeological history and how it connects with North East Ulster.
All Our Stories Project funded by Heritage Lottery has brought the teaching of history to life’ stated Mill Strand project leader Helen McCambridge. ‘In unravelling the history and mystery of Dunluce Castle, pupils and teachers together have embarked on discovering and exploring the historic significance of the coastline in which we live. The relationships built with the community of Tayvallich, Western Scotland will be long lasting. The local partnership with the University of Ulster has enhanced the quality of learning for our young people and has given them a solid foundation from which they can continue their exploration through archaeology’.
Heritage Day @ Dunluce
And as if all this wasn’t enough, Mill Strand pupils also had the opportunity to work with local storyteller Noreen Hamilton researching and re-interpreting the wonderful myths and legends that surround Dunluce Castle. They even got to create a myth of their own. And to celebrate all they have learnt and achieved they hosted a living history event at the castle, where they brought some of the stories to life through drama, music and dance. There were also medieval games, pottery making, archery and archaeological workshops facilitated by Bushmills Education Centre, North Coast Integrated College and the University of Ulster.
Mark Glover HLF Committee member added their support “When we launched the All Our Stories programme this is exactly the type of engaging and stimulating local heritage project we were aiming to support. It may only have been a small grant but the school have used it to explore their local heritage in a diversity of ways and deliver an amazing array of activities for everyone to get involved in. We would encourage other local communities to use our new Sharing Heritage grant programme to start delving into their past.”
As a legacy of the project, Mill Strand Integrated Primary launched their final resource, a ‘Horrible History’ of Dunluce, designed to engage school pupils and families with the sometimes gruesome stories from the castle’s turbulent history. You can click on the button below to download a pdf version of 'Dreadful Dunluce' - a horrible history.
As a legacy of the project, Mill Strand Integrated Primary launched their final resource, a ‘Horrible History’ of Dunluce, designed to engage school pupils and families with the sometimes gruesome stories from the castle’s turbulent history. You can click on the button below to download a pdf version of 'Dreadful Dunluce' - a horrible history.