New Exhibition Reveals the Remarkable Story of Life at Drumclay Crannog

The “Living at Drumclay: A Glimpse of Life on a Fermanagh Crannog” exhibition showcases part of one of Ireland’s most significant collections of early medieval and medieval rural archaeology at Fermanagh County Museum, Enniskillen Castle.

Living at Drumclay is a partnership exhibition between Fermanagh County Museum, Enniskillen Castle, and the Historic Environment Division of the Department for Communities. The exhibition explores the lives of the people who lived and worked at Drumclay Crannog, a lakeside settlement near Enniskillen.

Established in the early 9th century and used and reused over several centuries, Drumclay Crannog was the site of one of the most significant archaeological discoveries relating to rural early medieval and medieval Ireland.

Following major excavations in 2012-13, the site revealed an exceptional collection of preserved wooden, leather and organic artefacts, offering a vivid glimpse of everyday life on a Fermanagh crannog. Waterlogged conditions at the site protected materials that would normally decay, making the excavated assemblage from Drumclay especially important for extending our knowledge and understanding of how people lived.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Debbie Coyle, said: “Drumclay Crannog is one of the most important archaeological sites ever investigated in County Fermanagh, and this exhibition provides a remarkable insight into the lives of the people who lived there over many centuries.

“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to promoting and preserving our rich heritage, and this exhibition highlights the importance of making significant archaeological discoveries accessible to residents and visitors.

“The discoveries made at Drumclay have contributed significantly to our understanding of the area’s past, and it is fitting that these artefacts and their stories are being shared with the public through this partnership exhibition at Fermanagh County Museum.”

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: “Drumclay is one of the most important archaeological sites investigated in Northern Ireland in recent years. It tells us so much about the daily life of people who inhabited this crannog over many centuries.

“My Department has provided specialist research and conservation support on the vast number of important artefacts uncovered. They reveal a rich history of local life. I am pleased that their story is shared in this exhibition and preserved for future generations in a new archive, as part of our ongoing partnership with the Museum.”

The new exhibition includes a range of key artefacts from the collection including a rare wooden cheese press; one of the largest early medieval gaming boards discovered in Ireland; personal items such as jewellery, shoes and combs; and objects linked to music-making and craftworking. Together, these finds reveal a skilled community closely connected to its environment, with daily life shaped by farming, dairying, food preparation, craft, leisure and social activity.

Living at Drumclay invites visitors to discover how people at Drumclay lived, worked and relaxed, and to explore the wider story of crannogs as lake-edge settlements that shaped communities across the island of Ireland.

Visitor information

Living at Drumclay is on display at Fermanagh County Museum, Enniskillen Castle. Usual admission charges and opening hours apply. The exhibition runs until 10 October 2026.

For further information please visit the Fermanagh County Museum, Enniskillen Castle website at www.enniskillencastle.co.uk.