FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enroll in the Achil Field School?
You must first of all submit your application using the on-line form. We will notify you within 7 days if your application has been successful.
If you are enrolling in one of our Modular courses and require academic credit, you will need to download, complete and return the Academic Credit form (pdf) and email to info@achill-fieldschool.com
You may then proceed to book your course using our secure on-line system. A 50% deposit fee secures your place at the school, with the remaining 50% of the course fee payable at least 8 weeks prior to the commencement of your course.
Can you provide financial assistance for people wishing to attend the Field School?
At the present time we cannot offer any help with the payment of course fees or with transport costs to Achill.
How soon do I have to pay my booking fee?
The 2011 Field School was fully booked. We recommended that you send your booking form as early as possible to help guarantee your place at the field school. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking and the remaining 50% is payable 8 weeks prior to the commencement of your course.
Modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6:
Bookings for all modules can be made on-line through our secure payment facility on this website.
Postal applications are accepted and must be accompanied with a completed booking form and a first installment of the course fees, (50% of total fees). The second and final installment, (the remaining 50%), is payable at least 8 weeks prior to the start of the course. Late enrolments (if places are available) will be accepted.
All other Courses:
Bookings for all courses can be made on-line through our secure payment facility on this website.
Postal applications are accepted and must be accompanied with a completed booking form and the full course fees, late enrolments (if places are available) will be accepted, please contact the Field School for details.
When can I arrive at the Field School?
You should try to arrive at the Field School the Saturday preceeding your commencement date. Students attending the modular courses will be collected at Westport Railway Station between 4pm and 5pm on the Saturday preceeding the commencement of the course. The School Bus will also transport students back to Westport Railway Station on the Saturday morning following completion of their course.
Is it possible to travel to Westport from Achill?
Yes, there is a daily bus from Dooagh, Achill to Westport and Castlebar.
What type of clothing should I bring?
Each student should be equipped with wind & water-proof clothing (pants & jacket), together with strong hiking boots which they will find invaluable on site and on the weekly field trip, which often involves long distance 'hikes' over wet and rough mountain terrain. Also we do get some midges (insects) here on the island so it would be advisable to bring some insect repellent!
Is there a grocery shop near the Field School?
Yes, there is a well stocked store in Dooagh village. There is a larger grocery store in Achill Sound, which is approximately 10 miles from the school and to which students travel to at weekends.
Is there a bank available on Achill Island?
Achill Island is served by mobile banks three days a week. However, these banks visit the island during the Field School hours and will not be accessible to the students. We suggest that you bring a Credit Card and arrive with sufficient cash for initial purchases on the island. There are two ATM's on the island, but they are quite a distance from Dooagh and often inoperable. Card payment facilities are available from a number of businesses in Dooagh.
Is there a Church on Achill Island?
There is a Catholic Church in Pollagh - a 10 minute walk from the Field School Centre and a Church of Ireland in Dugort, some 4 miles distant from the Centre.
Is computer / internet access available at the Field School?
Yes Broadband (Wi Fi) is now available and there is no additional costs involved.
What type of accommodation is provided for students participating in the Summer Field School?
Students participating in the Field School stay in superior accommodation at the Field School house/s with ensuite and self-catering facilities. Electricity, heating, bed linen and laundry facilities are included in the course fees. Towels or food are not included. See our accommodation page for more information.
How do I get to the Field School?
If you fly into Dublin, you should get the train from Heuston Train Station in Dublin to Westport. Transport from Westport to the Archaeology Centre is provided by the Field School. If you fly in to Shannon, you should get a bus from the airport to Galway which will connect with a bus to Westport. Students attending the modular courses should arrange to arrive in Westport before 5 p.m. on the Saturday prior to the commencement of their course in order to avail of the free transport arranged by the Field School. Contact details for train & bus schedules are available on our 'Getting to Achill' page. If you need further help with your travel arrangements, please contact us.
Do you accept volunteers?
We welcome applications from volunteers with a particular skill base e.g. drawing, AutoCad, ArcGIS etc.
Former and new students who are interested in doing research projects on Achill Island will be provided with every assistance by the Field School e.g. use of library and other research facilities.
Is participation on the 1-Day and 2-Day Tours compulsory?
No it is not compulsory but the Tours are an excellent way to see a range of spectacular archaeological sites in Ireland at a relatively low cost. All tours are guided by professional archaeologists. Fees include transport, accommodation and entry to attractions, museums and heritage centres.
Will the academic credits transfer to my College or University?
Yes, we have not encountered any problems with the transfer of credits. However, to be on the safe side, you should confirm this with your college. If there is a problem we will do all we can to solve it. For your convenience we have created a list of Colleges and Universities that have received Academic Credit for their students and to which credits have been successfully transferred. You will be required to complete an on-line academic credit application form upon booking one of our Modular or Trainee Supervisor courses.
How do I enrol for credits?
You will be required to complete an on-line academic credit application form upon booking one of our Modular courses.
Is there a minimum age / age limit on students wishing to participate?
We normally ask that participants are at least 17 years of age. However, we have been known to make exceptions for mature people under the age of 17. There is no upper-age limit but people should be aware that it is quite strenuous work and participants should be physically fit. Please contact us if you are unsure whether you would be eligible to participate.
I have no archaeological experience, can I still participate in the Field School?
Yes, prior experience is not necessary to participate in the Field School - archaeological methods are taught on site and are backed up by a series of lectures and field trips.
Do I have to be doing a degree in Archaeology / Anthropology to participate in the Field School?
No, we welcome people from all walks of life as long as they have an interest in Archaeology and are physically fit.
How do I book one of your courses?
Please go to our Arcgaeology Courses and bookings page to find out more about booking one of our courses.
Places are limited so early booking is advised.
Bookings can be made at our on-line store with payment accepted by credit card or personal cheque.
Who do I make my cheque payable to?
Please make cheques payable to 'Achill Archaeological Field School'. Payment by Credit Card is also acceptable.
What are the contact details of the Achill Archaeological Field School?
Please see our contacts page!
Main contact is: info@achil-fieldschool.com