Archaeologists uncover town’s 16th-century walls

As the people in a Co Cork town prepare to host their first “walled town” festival, archaeologists have revealed they have uncovered a section of its original 16th-century fortifications.

Archaeologists moved into a site near Curtain’s pub in Bandon after contractors, SIAC, unearthed the foundations of a Tudor-era wall.

The contractors had been preparing to lay pipes as part of the town’s new multimillion-euro sewerage scheme.

Archaeologists, council officials, and the contractors are hoping to be able to show the find to festival attendees at the weekend.

However, they are awaiting permission from the National Monuments Section of the Department of Arts, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht.

Cllr Alan Coleman said: “It will be a huge boost to the festival organisers if people are allowed to view it.”

The festival will begin tomorrow with a historical walk, archaeological workshop, and a harp recital.