7th to 11th August 2023
Course fees include tuition, materials, local transport, lectures and seminars.
Dates: 7th – 11th August 2021
Duration: One week
Cost: €750
Introduction to Irish Archaeology
This 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. Additionally it is perfect 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 5-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.
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 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!
