Summer 2024
Course fees include tuition, accommodation in our superior, fully equipped self-catering building, materials, local transport, lectures and seminars.
Dates: 5th – 9th August 2024
Duration: One week
Cost: €975
This course is also available on a non-residential basis, price is €850. Please apply above and then select the Non-Residential product in our Shop.
This Introduction to Irish Archaeology course is ideal for people wishing to have their first experience with archaeology outside of the classroom or beyond the medium of books and television. It is suitable for anyone wishing to experience the excitement of an archaeological excavation for the first time, or for people that have already been on an excavation but want to learn the procedures involved in examining the historic buildings in the beautiful scenery of Western Ireland. This five-day course is ideal for the interested amateur or younger students considering archaeology as a future subject to study, or as a career. It is also particularly suitable for National School Teachers.
Accommodation is available from Saturday to Saturday. Fees include tuition, self-catering accommodation and local transport.
At this time we only require an application from prospective students. A firm commitment, in the form of a deposit, will be required when your course is confirmed.
About the 2024 Dig Site
ARCHAEOLOGICAL ‘DIG’ AT CARAUN POINT, TONATANVALLY, ACHILL ISLAND, COUNTY MAYO
In 2024, Achill Archaeological Field School will return to Caraun Point for a third season of excavation. The primary focus of the 2024 season will be two drystone houses and a shell midden which date to the post-medieval period, or earlier. The houses are in a dynamic coastal environment which is constantly evolving due to wind and wave action. Previous excavations on the site recovered a quantity of artefacts that included glass and pottery, along with animal bone and shellfish remains. Analysis of these objects give us an insight into the livelihood and diet of the people who lived here. One unexpected discovery was the presence of a probable Early-Medieval ringfort immediately to the west of our excavation. Habitation deposits associated with this site were evident beneath the post-medieval houses and some artefacts of 8th to 10th century date were recovered. This year’s excavation season looks like it will be fascinating.
We accept students of 17 years of age and upwards who must be physically fit, as fieldwork is quite strenuous.
