Dungannon, Northern Ireland
First screened 2 March 2008

Dungannon – Background

The year is 1602 and English forces have attacked and taken one of the most important strongholds in Ireland – Dungannon. In the heart of Ulster, Dungannon was the seat of the O'Neills – the most powerful family in Ireland, allied to France and Spain and enemies of James I. At least two castles have stood on the site, as well as grand English houses and a fortified town, regularly attacked by invading forces.

This important historic site has been closed to the public for centuries – its hilltop position overlooking the town being exploited most recently as a British army base during the Northern Ireland 'troubles'. But in 2007, in advance of the site being cleared up and reopened as a public amenity space, Time Team was offered the unique opportunity of investigating the events that took place at a location that has shaped the history of Ireland and Britain.

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