New project to explore local royal connections

A new project aims to unearth and explore royal connections within the Causeway Coast and Glens area.

As part of its programme to mark HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is seeking groups and volunteers to take part in a new project to unearth and express the area’s rich royal connections.

Supported by Museum Services, participants will research a site (or sites) with a royal story to tell in their local area to form a new heritage trail and digital map.

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Explaining more, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Richard Holmes said: “In this special jubilee year we want to explore everything from historic royal visits, to archaeology, mythology and folklore.

“There’s a lot waiting to be discovered and each case study will add to the colourful tapestry of our shared heritage and landscape.”

Dungiven is among the areas due to be researched.

“Dungiven’s Finvola, the Gem of the Roe, was a local princess who married into the ruling family on Islay, and there’s a local understanding that the stone sarcophagus in Dungiven Priory belonged to the 14th century O’Cahan ruler, Cooey na Gall,” continued Councillor Holmes.

“We’re now seeking the support of the wider community who will receive specialist training to bring these stories to a new audience as part of our Platinum Jubilee programme.”

The programme is being delivered by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Museum Services, with financial support from the District Council Good Relations Programme.

For more information, or to get involved, please visit www.niarchive.org/royalconnections, or email cms@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk. 

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