Environment Minister Alex Attwood has extended the period in which archaeologists can continue excavations at the Crannog in Co Fermanagh.

Discoveries made during the first ever substantial excavation of a crannog in Northern Ireland - an artificial island in a lake – in Co Fermanagh continue to shed new light on life in medieval Ireland. The site was due to close at the end of 2012.

In extending the time period to end of March 2013, Alex Attwood said: "The excavation is a once in a century opportunity. It will reshape national and international thinking on crannogs and the lives of people stretching back 1,300 years at least. A unique moment requires a unique approach. That is why the dig is being extended another three months. This is the first substantial, scientific excavation of a crannog in Northern Ireland. What has been found will ultimately lead to a reassessment of life in Ulster in Early Christian and medieval times. It is of international importance. Given all of that, it is important that we maximise the opportunity to unveil as much of our rich heritage here as possible. That is why I am extending the period in which archaeologists can dig. That is why I held an open day for the public to visit the site, and I hope to hold further open days for the general public and local schools before the end of the excavation."

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The excavation has revealed a huge treasure trove of artefacts found which show a "snap-shot" of life in Ireland back as far as the 9th century AD at least. The most striking finds are a unique wooden bowl that has a cross carved into its base, parts of wooden vessels with interlace decoration, exquisite combs, a large pottery collection, "chess like" pieces for games, and timber foundations for dozens of houses.

(CD/IT)