Museum to host digital workshop on local Viking finds

Midland Science is hosting a family workshop in partnership with the National Museum of Ireland showcasing Viking finds from Ballinderry Crannog, near Moate, and from Dublin.

The event is one of two digital activities in Westmeath which are part of a collaboration with the National Museum of Ireland for Science Week 2020.  This year’s events are also presented in partnership with the Heritage Office of Westmeath County Council.

The family workshop will take place on Tuesday, November 10, from 3.30pm.

Suitable for children aged 7-12, the event is entitled 'Virtual Vikings – Virtual Event for Families'

This workshop will be hosted live from the Museum and will show Viking material found in Dublin and Viking finds from Ballinderry Crannog, Co. Westmeath, including a sword and gaming board.

The second event is pre-booked workshop with pupils of Athlone's St Mary's Primary School.

The Museum will host a live virtual workshops from the Museum in Dublin to interact with pupils from the Athlone school who will learn about what archaeology can tell us about the arrival of the Vikings to Ireland and their impact on Westmeath.

Siobhan Pierce, Education and Outreach Officer, Archaeology & Natural History at National Museum of Ireland commented: “It is wonderful to have a strong partnership with Midlands Science and the County Heritage Officers of the Midlands counties so that we can continue to make these events happen during Science Week even if this year, they cannot be delivered in person.

Melanie McQuade, Heritage Officer of Westmeath County Council said the events were a fantastic opportunity to promote science education to Westmeath pupils and families and to examine the archaeological evidence for the arrival to the Viking activity in Ireland and in particular Westmeath.

She said: “Most Viking finds from Ballinderry and other rural sites reflect everyday activities and include tools used in spinning, weaving and sewing and tools and utensils of wood, iron and bronze. Ballinderry, however, also produced a number of exceptional finds, which we will learn about on the day of the workshop.”

Jackie Gorman, CEO of Midlands Science said: “Midlands Science is focused on not only providing science and technology activities during Science Week but it is also really important that we explore the link between science and the arts, heritage and culture.”