The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) will fund archaeological conservation and research efforts at two medieval sites in Ireland—Blackfriary at Trim and the Priory at Tulsk. Funds for the two sites were raised through a special pledge drive held at the AIA Annual Spring Gala in New York City in April 2011.
The Blackfriary at Trim, County Meath was founded in 1263 AD by Geoffrey de Geneville, Lord of Trim. The historic significance of the site is evidenced in its choice as the location for a meeting of Irish bishops in 1291. AIA funds will be used to support conservation at the friary. A key goal for the program directors is to save the site from neglect and development. They aim to emphasize the rich history of the site by offering educational programming, by inviting local and non-local participation in excavations, and by highlighting the economic benefits of the site as a tourist-attraction.
Click here to read this article from Medievalists.net