In 1977, a significant collection of historical artefacts, including pottery and tools, was uncovered during an excavation at Altanagh, Co. Tyrone. The site, known in Gaelic as ‘Alt na n-Each’ (‘the height of the horses’), has been inhabited for millennia, offering a rich historical narrative. Local residents and primary school children actively participated in the excavation, contributing to the recovery of these treasures, which shed light on the region's cultural and historical legacy.
The artefacts were generously donated by the landowner, Danny Kerr, to Fermanagh County Museum in 1995. In January 2023, the Termonmaguiric Historical Society of Carrickmore successfully collaborated with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to relocate the collection closer to its original site. The artefacts are now displayed at The Patrician in Carrickmore, just a few miles from Altanagh.
This short film features interviews conducted in Omagh's Strule Arts Centre with Altanagh locals, who recount life in the rural community and the excitement surrounding the 1977 discoveries. Their stories offer a poignant glimpse into the community's shared history and the enduring significance of these artefacts.