Festival of Archaeology Launch Event 2025
Join us for a fun-filled family day for the launch of this year's Festival of Archaeology on and around Divis and The Black Mountain!
- Booking not needed
- Free event
In collaboration with the Council for British Archaeology, discover the amazing history of the landscape, from prehistoric times to its important role in founding the Ordnance Survey 200 years ago.
On the mountain, uncover history through a live excavation, take part in guided and sensory walks, enjoy storytelling sessions, and see flint knapping and mapping demonstrations in action.
At Hannahstown Community Centre, families can dive into archaeology-themed fun with kids’ sand trays, dress-up activities, and a heritage explorer challenge. There’ll also be clay art sessions, info from the Historic Environment Record NI, and more.
Come along and experience archaeology like never before—fun, engaging, and packed with discovery!
Key timings on Divis & the Black Mountain:
10.15am: Opening Speech
10.30am & 1.30pm: Guided Walks with National Trust
10.45am, 12.45pm & 2.45pm: Sensory Walks
11am, 1pm & 3pm: Ordnance Survey Mapping Activities
11.15am, 12.30pm, 2pm & 3.15pm: Storytelling
11.30am & 1.45pm: Res Kit Demos
11.45am, 1.15pm & 2.30pm: Céilí Music & Dancing
Event closes 4pm.
Further activities will be taking place in Hannahstown Community Centre, a free shuttle bus to Divis will be running throughout the day - we encourage all visitors to park at the Hannahstown Community Centre where possible as spaces on Divis will be extremely limited. Please check our social media pages or Divis Café for bus timetable.
Times
The basics
- Booking details
Call 02890 825434
- Suitability
All ages
- Meeting point
Divis and the Black Mountain meeting point is the Café Barn, or Hannahstown Community Centre Main Hall.
- What to bring and wear
Suitable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothes.
- Accessibility
Please note that as an outdoor event pathways may be uneven. We anticipate that the event will go ahead in all weather so please wear clothing and footwear appropriate to the terrain and weather conditions.
- Other
There will be a free shuttle bus running between both locations. Parking is available at Hannahstown Community Centre. For any queries please contact the Divis team on belfast@nationaltrust.org.uk, or phone 028 90 825434.
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