Volunteers help archaeologists log historic graves

Archaeologists have trained volunteers to map headstones and record the stories and folklore from historic cemeteries as part of a nationwide project aimed at reaching out to the Irish disapora.

The information — being collected using digital cameras, hi-tech GPS systems, and low-tech carbon rubbing techniques — will be uploaded to the internet as part of a massive national Historic Graves survey.

Funded by the proceeds of the plastic bag tax through the Department of Arts, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht, it involves a physical survey of the historic headstones and memorials in selected graveyards, and the recording of the stories and folklore associated with the graveyards.