Co Down hotspot for unearthed treasure

Co Down hotspot for unearthed treasure

17 September 2025

SIGNIFICANTLY more treasure is unearthed in Co Down than any other county in Northern Ireland, new research has found.

The county has had 28 finds in the last 34 years, accounting for more than 57% of all discoveries.

According to the most recent Treasure Act report, Co Antrim was second with seven finds, and Armagh third with six.

The full figures, which take England, Wales and Northern Ireland into account, revealed that most object finds were Post-Medieval (407), followed by Early Medieval and then Bronze Age.

Ninety-four per cent of finds were via metal detecting, while archaeological finds followed at 3.85%.

Co Down has proven to be a treasure trove of discovery for archaeologists in the past.

Gold ornaments such as bracelets have been found on Cathedral Hill in Downpatrick, which may have been an offering to the gods or buried for safety.

Pottery bowls which were used as food vessels were found in Comber and Mount Stewart dating from the Bronze Age, the period dating from 2,500 to 300 BCE.

Ecclesiastical sites such as Nendrum Monastery on Mahee Island in Strangford Lough date back to the Early Medieval Period from around 400 to 1150 CE.

The Medieval Period in Ireland, dating from 1150-1550 CE, saw the arrival of the Normans who built motte and bailey castles and later stone tower houses in Co Down, including at Sketrick on Strangford Lough and Kirkistown on the Ards Peninsula.

There is also evidence of post-medieval activity around Strangford Lough, including the growing of kelp on stones in the lough, which was collected, dried and burnt and then used to fertilise fields.

Trevor Moxon, from skip hire service Fast Skips, which analysed the data in the Treasure Act report, advised those interested in treasure hunting to start with research.

“Before you even think about digging, invest time in researching promising locations,” he said.

“Old maps, local archives, and historical records can reveal where settlements, trade routes or battles once took place, these are ideal places for potential finds.

“Also look for areas that haven’t been heavily redeveloped or ploughed repeatedly, as they’re more likely to have undisturbed artefacts.”

He urged metal detecting enthusiasts to get permission from the landowner.

“This includes farmland, public spaces and protected heritage sites,” he said.

“It’s best to have written agreement, especially if you’re planning regular visits.”

Mr Moxon recommended joining a detecting club or online community to “learn best practices, gain access to club-permission land and attend group digs”.

“You’ll also benefit from the collective knowledge of more experienced detectorists,” he said.

“Online communities and social media groups offer constant discussion on finds, detector reviews, legal advice and tips on reading ground conditions.”

He also advised budding metal detectorists to familiarise themselves with the Treasure Act 1996 and the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

“Understanding what qualifies as ‘treasure’ and what your legal obligations are will protect you from accidentally breaking the law,” he said.