Castles, Mottes and Monasteries – Exhibition Launch

Castles, Mottes and Monasteries – Exhibition Launch

Exploring the Historic Environment Record of Northern Ireland Archives and Collections

This exhibition explores the enduring legacy of the Normans in Northern Ireland through the rich archives and collections of the Historic Environment Record of Northern Ireland (HERoNI).

The Normans introduce significant changes to Ireland and leave a lasting imprint on Ulster’s landscape. Today, many Norman monuments remain preserved, including major sites such as Carrickfergus Castle and Dundrum Castle, the monastic ruins of Greyabbey and Inch Abbey, and military earthworks such as the mottes of Clough, Duneight and Dromore.

The exhibition presents photographs, archaeological surveys, reconstruction drawings and artefacts from Norman sites across Northern Ireland, all preserved within the HERoNI archive.

Event Programme

Date: Wednesday 28 July 2027

Location: HERoNI, 2 Titanic Boulevard, Belfast BT3 9HQ

10:30–11:00 – Refreshments

11:00–11:15 – Welcome

11:15–12:00 – Keynote lecture by Dr Tom McNeill: The Anglo-Norman Impact on County Antrim

12:00–12:30 – Questions and answers, followed by a guided exhibition tour

Practical Information

Enquiries: HERoNI@communities-ni.gov.uk