Module 4 (4 weeks)

The four week module is ideally suited for University students looking for an intensive training excavation where instruction is provided on a one to one basis by a highly experienced Irish archaeologist. Students will work on one of the two major excavations to be undertaken during the 2011 season, both looking at prehistoric hut sites where complex stone buildings are sealed underneath the blanket bog on the southern side of Slievemore.

The investigation of the buildings covers all aspects of an archaeological excavation, beginning with removing the topsoil and overlying peat, carefully trowelling through the intact archaeological deposits, drawing sections across the wall, planning the trench, taking levels, taking archaeological photographs and filling in the written record.

In addition to excavation students will be instructed in a variety of field surveying methods, such as using handheld GPS units (Global Positioning Systems) and the EDM (Electronic Distance Measurer), and will be shown how to digitise field drawings using the powerful AutoCad software suite. Several one day courses in specific areas are also included in the price, covering areas such as Soil Phosphate Analysis, Environmental Sample Processing or GIS analysis (Geographic Information Systems), each presented by an acknowledged expert in the particular field (Note the exact timetable for the 2010 season has not yet been finalised and the described courses are examples only).

In addition the students will be given four lively lectures that explain the major periods and themes of Irish Archaeology and two evening lectures by prominent guest speakers. The students will also undertake 4 full day field trips to visit some of the spectacular archaeological sites on Achill Island. The field trips are not simply a passive experience, although detailed tours and mini lectures are given throughout each day. There is a strong emphasis on learning the observational skills so vital to the field archaeologist that will change the way the student perceives and interprets the landscapes around them.

During the duration of this course the students will undertake their own study on an aspect of Irish Archaeology they find interesting and prepare a short paper on the subject, with extensive guidance from the Director of Fieldwork.

This course is fully accredited by the National University of Ireland, Galway, and students who successfully complete the course will receive 6 Semester Credits.