The public are being invited to get 'hands on' with historic building work through a series of events organised by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).

It is encouraging the public to visit some of Northern Ireland’s most striking historical sites and monuments to take part in 'Archaeology Days' events throughout June, including excavations, tours and displays.

This year's programme includes an excavation following the exciting rediscovery last year, at Dunluce Castle, of the lost 17th Century village site and 'A Midsummer's Night Drum' at the Giant's Ring.

Michael Coulter, Director of Built Heritage, NIEA said: "Archaeology Days provide the public with an exciting and entertaining opportunity to get hands on with history and experience the past through our historic sites and monuments.

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"Look out for 'Archaeology Days' brochures, which are available at Tourist Information Centres and libraries, or get the full programme from our website and find out more by following our 'Archaeology Days' blog.

"The majority of events take place around the weekend of 19 and 20 June like the Summer Solstice, but there are events taking place throughout June and the rest of the summer.

"We look forward to welcoming people of all ages and walks of life to this festival of archaeology through which you can step back in time and experience life around the built heritage left by our ancestors."

Summer long, 'Bringing History Alive' events are also being staged at several sites with armoury and archery displays taking place, storytelling and music as well as medieval monks at Devenish, Nendrum and Inch Abbey, all bringing the past and the monuments to life.

See: www.wonderfulni.info

(BMcC/GK)