Local Colmcille Guide Paddy ‘Beag’ Mac Giolla Easbuig on the seat of Colm Cille.
THE 27th annual week-long Canon James McDyer Archaeology Summer school starts tomorrow (Saturday) in Glencolmcille.
Though no account of this was written down until the sixteenth century, abiding local tradition attests the presence of Columcille (521-597) as a young hermit in the Glencolmcille.
This is supported by its name and the character of its early Christian monuments.
This year’s school, Columcille’s Sacred Glen, directed by Emeritus Professor Michael Herity, MRIA, is concerned with the ascetic lives and the mission of early Christian hermits in the remote places and the offshore islands of Ireland and Scotland, from Clear Island and Sceilg Mhichil to Rathlin O’Birne and Tory and on to Iona, the Papa Isles and the Faeroes.
The course is devised for adults with an interest in field studies. No previous knowledge is required, merely an interest in the theme and a desire to participate in sessions in the field observing the evidence of the monuments and their context.
Thoughtful, observant students have experienced the pleasure of discovering new insights for themselves.
Morning and afternoon classes are held at the monuments for which the Glen is renowned.
Three evening presentations offer a understanding of contexts; they end early enough to allow students to indulge in après-scoil ceol, craic agus caidreamh associated with this Summer School since its foundation by the late Fr James Mac Dyer in association with professor Herity in 1985.
For further information, contact Oideas Gael on 973 0248 or email oideasgael@eircom.net