Just a final update; my project is now long since completed.  Thanks to all who helped me and took an interest in my work - I achieved my target grade and am now happily in 3rd year!

Who knows, I may return someday - The History of Rathfriland will hopefully never be a finished story...

Hard at work

Unfortunately I haven't been able to keep my blog up-to-date, mostly due to working flat-out on the research.  I spent a few afternoons in Rathfriland and Newry's Libraries, searching through books, photocopying extracts, and planning my essay.  Earlier this week I started work on the written piece and am currently about halfway through.  I've gotten the deadline pushed back by a week, so I should get it finished on time.

Video

 

 

 

A video of Rathfriland, with the town's anthem 'Rathfriland on the Hill'...

 

 

Return to Research

Now that my other coursework is finished, I can get back to researching Rathfriland properly.  In the next week I plan to hunt down illusive books, take some photographs, and return to the library to do a good day's work.  Hopefully, by this time next week, I will have plenty of souces with which to begin constructing the written element.  An optimistic goal considering my rate of progress so far...

Taking a Break

Due to more pressing commitments I have postponed work on my project for this week, in the hope that I can use the time freed up to make a more vigorous effort when I return.  April 2nd approaches fast, but it won't take too long to gather enough information to start writing the mini-dissertation, and indeed finish it, in time.

Next-Level Reserach

February is almost at an end, and things could be better.  I will need to step-up my research if I am to meet any targets for completion.  My trip to Newry Library opened up new avenues of research but I'll need a good day in there to really make some headway.  For now I will consolidate the sources I have, and begin to plan the Dissertation itself with what I have.

Half-Term Research

I acquired some old maps from the library of Rathfriland during the relevant period, and continue my search for books and someone to interview.  I may also go up to the town and take a few original photographs to use as evidence.

Early Research

Got some documents from PRONI giving me some background knowledge of the family politics behind Rathfriland in the 18th and 19th Century.  Have also made plans to go to Newry Library to get some old maps and see if there are any more books that can help.  I'll need to pick up the pace somewhat...

First Steps

Took a brief search around to begin with to get a rough idea of what sort of resources were readily available.  I found 'rathfriland.org' and contacted them for information, pointing towards many new websites, books, and people to investigate.   A good start, but much more to do...

This is where I'm talking about:

 

Let the Research begin!

Just set up this Blog to start my Reserach Project on the history of Rathfriland (the town in Co. Down Northern Ireland).  Everywhere has history, and it's now my job to find it.  This should be interesting...