Explore the Opportunity of a Lifetime: Transform the Achill Archaeological Field School into a Multi-Disciplinary Educational Campus in Ireland’s Scenic West
Nestled on stunning Achill Island in County Mayo, Ireland, the Achill Archaeological Field School has been a beacon for archaeology students worldwide for over 30 years. Established in 1991, this campus is now available for sale or lease, presenting a truly unique opportunity to create an educational hub that could serve a range of academic disciplines. With its rich history, spectacular landscape, and extensive facilities, this campus is perfectly suited not only for archaeology but also as a multi-disciplinary educational centre where students and researchers can delve into subjects such as anthropology, Irish history, languages, geology, coastal ecology, and more.
A Turn-Key Campus in the Heart of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
Achill Island, known for its breathtaking scenery and recently featured in the acclaimed film The Banshees of Inisherin, offers an inspiring backdrop for any academic or research programme. With over 5,000 years of settlement history and numerous archaeological sites, Achill provides the perfect setting for studies in archaeology, anthropology, cultural history, and environmental science. The Field School campus is located in the village of Dooagh, giving students and researchers a safe and authentic rural Irish experience.
The property is fully equipped with all essential facilities, making it easy to establish or expand your institution’s presence in Ireland.
Key Facilities and Resources on Campus
The campus includes two main buildings: the Heritage Centre and a Residential Accommodation Block. Here’s a look at the infrastructure that makes this a perfect fit for an educational facility in any field:
- Heritage Centre
The Heritage Centre is an impressive facility, equipped with a range of rooms to support both classroom and hands-on learning:- Exhibition/Lecture Room: Large enough to seat 50-60 students, this space is ideal for lectures, presentations, and group learning sessions.
- Computer Room & Library: This room can accommodate up to 14 workstations, along with a library of textbooks, excavation reports, and maps. With a range of software programs (AutoCAD, MS Office, Inkscape, Access Database), it’s perfectly suited for data analysis, mapping, and digital projects.
- Laboratory: Outfitted for artifact processing and analysis, the lab includes high-magnification microscopes and photographic equipment, making it suitable for studies in fields like forensic science, material analysis, and ecology.
- Office and Archive: With storage and an archive of 30 years of completed excavation reports, this space is perfect for administrative needs or research preparation.
- Residential Accommodation Block
The two-story accommodation facility has capacity for 16 students, with five bedrooms, a large kitchen, and a sitting room. This comfortable space fosters a close-knit learning environment and allows students to stay onsite during intensive programs. - Outdoor Research and Field Space
The location also includes a small back garden used for processing finds, making it an ideal outdoor space for lab work or even small ecological or environmental studies.
A Flexible Space for Multi-Disciplinary Learning
While this campus has an impressive history as an archaeological field school, its facilities and location make it ideal for teaching a broad spectrum of disciplines. Here are just a few fields that could benefit from a residential campus in this inspiring environment:
- Anthropology & Cultural Studies: Achill Island offers a vibrant cultural setting with a long history, ideal for studying rural Irish life, folklore, and local customs. The campus could easily accommodate programmes focused on ethnography or cultural immersion.
- Irish History and Language Studies: The west of Ireland, and particularly Achill Island, is rich in Gaelic heritage. This campus could support immersive language courses in Irish, as well as programs on Irish history, literature, and heritage preservation.
For further information, or to express an interest in this business, please contact Achill Archaeological Field School directly by email: info@achill-fieldschool.com.
