An archaeological dig has taken place in Moira Demesne, Co Down, with locals turning out in numbers to support the project.

The foundations of the buildings on the park's estate were excavated across a two-week period.

The Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork from Queen's University in partnership with the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum oversaw the dig. Eight school groups and over 100 volunteers had the opportunity to take part.

David Burns, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Chief Executive who also took part in the excavation, said: "It was great to hear the excitement of participants as they helped uncover these historic foundations dating back to the 1600's. Over the course of 14 days not only were wall foundations uncovered but the team also found 17th and 18th century pottery, roof tiles, window and drinking glass, clay pipes and a wild boar tusk. Local residents also came down to Moira Demesne to watch the activity going on.

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"The excavation has revealed a large amount of information about the site, its inhabitants and their way of life over 200 years later. One of the most impressive finds is a late 18th-century coin, marked 1773, and from around the time William Sharman, M.P. for Lisburn, leased the estate from John Rawdon, 1st Earl of Moira. The finds from the excavation will be displayed in the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum in the near future so please come along and see them."

The findings will also help form the council's talk on the dig as part of the Museum's Autumn Programme 2019.

(CM/MH)