Achill Archaeological Field School

  Ireland

Galway,  Sligo

Term: Spring, Summer 
Dates: March - August

Description: The Achill Archaeological Field School was founded in 1991 as a Training School for students of archaeology and anthropology. The Field School is based at the Achill Folklife Centre in Dooagh and at the Deserted Village of Slievemore, both of which are located in the west of Ireland on Achill Island in County Mayo. The Field School is involved in a study of the prehistoric and historic landscape at Slievemore, incorporating a research excavation at a number of sites within the village. Slievemore is rich in archaeological monuments that span a 5000 year period from the Neolithic to the Post Medieval.

Academic Credit for overseas students is provided by the National University of Ireland at Galway with whom the school has formal linkage.

The Deserted Village Project commenced in 1991 with the research objective of completing a thorough archaeological survey of all sites and monuments (prehistoric and historic) that make up the diverse and significant archaeological landscape of Slievemore. Excavation of selected dwellings and their associated gardens has been an integral part of the fieldwork since 1991, and represents a pioneering effort at addressing the material lives of a much-neglected segment of Irish society. Since 1991, several hundred students from 21 countries have come to Achill to study archaeology and to learn about the people who lived in the village through their material remains.

Highlights: 6 week and 4 Week Field School courses with Academic Credit awards.
(NEW) 9 Week Trainee Supervisor course with Academic Credit and co-author credit on final excavation report. Contact us for details.
Short introductory courses available.

The following topics are covered on the 6 week and 4 week courses.
- Introduction to the Archaeology of Achill Island and to the Deserted Village Project.
- Introduction to Irish Archaeology
- Introduction to excavation techniques and recording practices at the Deserted Village of Slievemore.
- Surveying Techniques: Setting out a Grid Plane Table Drawing; Levelling; Contour surveying using a Theodolite; Microtopographic surveys using an EDM / Total Station; Data reduction CAD/GIS.
- Trowelling, planning and recording of archaeological features.
- Artefact retrieval, identification and recording procedures.
- Archaeological photography.
- Draughtsmanship ('Inking in')
- Digitising of excavation drawings.
- Introduction to Environmental Archaeology and sampling strategies.
- EDM Survey of archaeological sites at Caislean, Dooagh
- Survey of houses and other structures at Annagh Booley Village
- Architectural and Digital survey of houses and associated structures at Slievemore.
- Bog probing.

Students also receive guided tours of the local area and have the opportunity to go on tours of Sligo, Mayo and Galway.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Euro 4,250 (6 weeks - 9 Semester credits available) - Euro 3,450 (4 Weeks - 6 Semester credits available)

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ireland Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Achill Archaeological Field School's Mission Statement: It is our aim Of the Field School to provide participants with first class tuition in all aspects of Archaeological research and excavation techniques on Slievemore and Achill Island while also providing an unforgettable opportunity to experience life on the west coast of Ireland.

Year Founded: 1991