The Achill Archaeological Field School was established in 1991 to address the very real need for hands-on archaeological training for students of archaeology and to this a core component was archaeological methodology, coupled with a number of complementary ancillary courses. The Achill Field School is ideally placed and has the necessary infrastructure to provide the best possible academic and technical training for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as being able to offer a variety of advanced and specialist courses.

The Achill Archaeological Field School is pleased to announce the participation of eminent academics/archhaeologists to deliver a series of timetabled lectures during the Field School courses for 2010. These will include Dr Kieran O'Connor, NUI Galway and Dr Noel McCarthy, NUI Galway. 

The Achill Field School is accorded credits by NUI-Galway based on an approved specific 6-week course modules for undergraduates and members of the general public.  18 ECTS or 9 semester credits are allocated to students who successfully complete the course.  

The Achill Field School is very active in research over the full range of the subject and is currently sponsoring two PhD students (Maritime archaeology and Post-Medieval Ceramics) and two Masters students (Landscape archaeology and Architectural survey at a post medieval Deserted Village).

Achill Archaeological Field School courses 2011

Trainee Supervisor Course.

(9 weeks)  

Four Week Field School course with Academic Credit.

12ECTS - 6 Semester Hours

Six Week Field School course with Academic Credit.

18ECTS - 9 Semester Hours

4 Week Field School Courses:-

SU409 and SU410

6 Week Field School Courses:-

SU409, SU410 and SU413

Custom Spring Break programmes for Colleges and Universities.

A range of introductory courses for interested amateurs and students seeking Field Work experience

A short introduction to Archaeology course for those interested in learning more about Archaeology or for those seeking and activity break. 

An intensive one week course introducing the unique nature of Irish Archaeology

A 2 week excavation only course. Ideal for those wishing to gain Field Work experience.

Custom programmes for second level students.

Participate in the excavation and documentation of a variety of sites including megalithic tombs, maritime archaeological sites and the ruins of a Famine - era village, and enjoy unforgettable personalised tours of the region's premier archaeological sites led by local experts. 5,000 years of human occupation on Slievemore Mountain continues to be the theme of the 2010  programme and will include field trips to the numerous prehistoric and historic sites in the area, backed up by lectures on archaeology, history, art and folklore of Achill Island.