The Irish Fieldschool of Prehistoric Archaeology
Academic Director: Dr Carleton Jones
Field Director: Dr Ros Ó Maoldúin
Course Overview
We are the only archaeological field school singularly focused on Ireland's prehistory.
During 2018, we will concentrate our efforts on surveying and excavating the prehistoric ceremonial complex on Knockloon Hill, in the Burren, Co. Clare. Known remains include a large later prehistoric barrow, and three recently discovered circular enclosures, at least one of which is likely to represent a large palisaded enclosure.
We offer three courses: a four-week excavation course, a two-week survey course and a one-week experimental archaeology course. It is possible to combine any two or three consecutive courses.
We are based in the Burren near the world famous Cliffs of Moher. The Burren is a mecca for botanists, archaeologists, geologists and outdoor enthusiasts, with some of the best surfing and caving in Europe and the nightlife of Galway City is only a bus ride away. You won’t be stuck for something to do on the weekends.
Course Modules
Experimental Archaeology and the Material Culture of the Irish Early Bronze Age (1 week)
3 Semester Credits/6 ECTS Credits
The one-week experimental archaeology course will concentrate on later Bronze Age materials and include workshops on bronze casting and pottery production. All materials will be provided and students will be allowed take a selection of what they make away with them.
Irish Prehistory and the Tombs of the Ancestors (2 weeks)
3 Semester Credits/6 ECTS Credits
The two-week survey course will cover drawing, digital photography, photogrammetry, total station survey, 3D modelling, an introduction to QGIS and an introduction to geophysical survey. It will also include visits to some of Ireland’s most famous prehistoric sites, the National Museum and several of our less-well-known prehistoric gems.
Archaeological Excavation and Recording Techniques (4 weeks)
6 Semester Credits/12 ECTS Credits
The four-week excavation course will cover techniques of archaeological excavation, drawing, digital photography, photogrammetry, total station survey, 3D modelling, context recording, osteoarchaeology and environmental sampling. Students will receive weekly lectures and tutorials from visiting professors, as well as from our fieldschool staff. In 2018, we will excavate the first barrow ever excavated in Co. Clare and place trenches across several other enclosures identified in our 2017 geophysical survey. We expect to find human bone and students will likely get first-hand experience of its excavation, recording and analysis.
Students may take courses of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 weeks by combining multiple modules.
Dates
Session 1: 21 May - 1 June, 2018
Course title: Irish Prehistory and archaeological survey (2 weeks)
Session 2: 4 June - 29 June, 2018
Course title: Archaeological Excavation and Recording Techniques (4 weeks)
Session 3: 2 July – 6 July, 2018
Course title: Experimental Archaeology and the Material Culture of the Irish Early Bronze Age (1 week)
Session 4: 16 July - 10 August, 2018
Course title: Archaeological Excavation and Recording Techniques (4 weeks)
Session 5: 13 August - 24 August, 2018
Course title: Irish Prehistory and the Tombs of the Ancestors (2 weeks)
Tuition & Accommodation Costs
1 week course €900
2 week course €1,750
4 weeks course €3,450
5 weeks course €4,200
6 weeks course €4,800
7 weeks course €5,350
Course fees includes tuition, insurance, equipment, accommodation, transport, evening lectures.
Students may take courses of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 weeks by combining multiple modules.
Apply
Applicants must be 17 or over, reasonably fit and willing to learn.
APPLY NOW
Further Information
Dr Ros Ó Maoldúin
The IFPA
Laghtagoona House
Corofin
Co. Clare
+353 (0)87 0940034
rosomaolduin@gmail.com
www.prehistoricfieldschool.ie
