Lost town of Dunluce is older than thought

Ireland's lost merchant town of Dunluce is older than previously thought, an archaeological dig has revealed.

Duncluce Castle [Credit: Belfast Telegraph]

Between 2009 and 2012, archaeologists working with DoE uncovered the town of Dunluce, dating back to 1608 and situated in the fields around Dunluce Castle, but an older settlement dating back to the 15th-16th century has now been revealed.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "Traces of buildings were unearthed close to the cliffs upon which the castle was built.

"We are extremely lucky to make this exciting discovery. Very few 15th-century buildings, other than those built entirely from stone, have survived in Ulster."

Author: Linda Stewart | Source: Belfast Telegraph [January 14, 2015]