Introduction to Irish Archaeology
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. This practical week-long course provides an ideal introduction to the world of archaeology.
Dates Available
13th August to 18th August 20123rd September to 8th September 2012
Introduction to Irish Archaeology 1, 2 and 3
Dates: (1) 9-13 April; (2) 13-17 August; (3) 3-7 September
Course Outline
This course is ideal for people wishing to have their first experience with archaeology outside of the class room 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 sample the joys of examining well preserved prehistoric structures that can be found underneath blanket bog and medieval/post-medieval sites of archaeological and architectural interest.
During the April course, students will undertake a small excavation at the Boycott House overlooking Keem Bay, while the August and September courses will focus on the site of an unclassified megalithic tomb on the southern slopes of Slievemore. These investigations cover all aspects of an archaeological excavation, beginning with removing the topsoil and overlying peat, carefully trowelling through the intact archaeological deposits, drawing sections across the features uncovered, planning the trench, taking levels, taking archaeological photographs and filling in the written record. A series of lectures are provided that place the excavation within the historical and archaeological context of Achill and of Irish archaeology in general.
Prior experience is not necessary as training will be provided in excavation methodology, surveying, planning, archaeological drawing, etc.