26th June – 21st July 2023
SS106 + SS107: 12 ECTS / 6 Semester Academic Credits awarded. Course fees include tuition, accommodation in our superior, fully equipped self-catering building, materials, local transport, lectures and seminars as well as academic credit.
Dates: 26th June – 21st July 2023
Duration: Four weeks
Cost: €3950
This course is fully accredited by the University of Galway, and students who successfully complete the course will receive 6 Semester Credits or 12 ECTS points.
- SS106: Introduction to Archaeology of Ireland
- SS107: Archaeological Field Studies
SS106: Introduction to Archaeology of Ireland (3 Semester Credits/6 ECTS Credits)
On site work during the first element of the course introduces the student to the basic techniques of archaeological excavation, including laying out trenches, removing overburden, and excavating archaeological deposits with a variety of hand tools. Lectures introduce the Chronology of Irish Archaeology whilst a series of workshops develop the students understanding of the principles of excavation.
SS107: Archaeological Field Studies (3 Semester Credits/6 ECTS Credits)
On site work during the second element introduces the student to the methods of onsite recording of archaeological features and deposits, including section drawing, elevation drawing, horizontal planning, working within a site grid, surveying, using an auto level and the EDM, and taking site photography. Lectures complete the Chronology of Irish Archaeology whilst workshops focus on post excavation skills such as managing site archives, writing stratigraphic reports and preparing AutoCad drawings.
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.
Study Archaeology at the home of the Banshees
Achill Island, the home of Achill Archaeological Field School, was the main location for the 2022 award-winning movie The Banshees of Inisherin. The spectacular landscapes seen in the movie showcase the beauty of Achill Island, your location for your 2023 archaeology course. Read more about the Banshees of Inisherin locations on Achill Island.
About the 2023 Dig Site
The 2022 season of excavations at Tawnaghmore raised more questions than answers. We were surprised to find that the two houses excavated had been remodelled and rebuilt on three separate occasions, suggesting intermittent periods of occupation of the site. The houses (House 1 and House 2) are ovoid in shape externally. House No. 1 has a corbelled interior while House No. 2 is more-or-less rectangular in shape.
A major find in 2022 was the discovery of a large enclosure with a total area of approximately 6042.931m 2 south-west of the main settlement at Tawnaghmore. The enclosure contains House 17 (Tawnaghlaur) at its south-west corner and an associated small patch of lazy-beds (cultivation ridges) to the north-east. Two additional houses in the multi-period site at Tawnaghmore/Tawnaghlaur, together with the Tawnaghlaur enclosure, associated house and lazy beds will be the focus of excavation in 2023 … an exciting season ahead!
