Location: 62JR+QV Maree, County Galway, Ireland
Season: June 28, 2026 to July 4, 2026
Session Dates: June 28-July 4, 2026
Application Deadline: April 1, 2026
Deadline Type: Rolling
Website: https://www.ancientodysseys.com/archaeologydigireland
Discount for AIA members: USD €4,665-€5,565
Program Type:
Field School, Volunteer
RPA Certified:
No
Affiliation:
University of Galway
Ancient Odysseys
Project Director:
Noel McCarthy & Michelle Comber
Project Description:
Join an incredibly exciting BRAND NEW excavation of an Early Neolithic (3700-3500 BC), court tomb on the Maree Peninsula. At Prospecthill, the large stones of a Neolithic Court tomb stood for five millennia. In the 1960s, the large stones of the moment were removed, but what lay beneath these stones has never been unearthed—UNTIL NOW.
Alongside passage tombs and portal tombs, court tombs are some of the first permanent monuments created by early farming communities in Ireland. Constructed of stone and intended to persist through time, these monuments were early permanent markers on a previously unaltered natural landscape. They aren’t solely as tombs for the dead but would have been a central part of the local community and remained as such throughout subsequent generations and ages. One could interpret them as a more communal monument than portal or passage tombs as the court at the front was most commonly open and it is here where many deposits/offerings were placed.
Period(s) of Occupation: Early Neolithic (3700-3500 BC) including later activity in Bronze Age likely
Notes:
Your work at Prospecthill takes place over the course of five days, where you will immerse yourself in the excavation, collection and study of artefacts, and recording of features of a site with a 5,000-year history! The huge upright stones were removed in the 1960s but what lies underneath—nobody really knows.
You will be among the first modern people to aid in the potential discovery of artifacts dating from Early Neolithic Ireland. This year, your work will entail excavation in search of this 'lost' tomb, and excavation of its internal area. You will be hands-on for the entire five days of this excavation, learning the methods of archaeological excavation and archaeological recording. This will allow you to immerse yourself in the excavation, collection and study of everything from artefacts to large features dating from the Irish Neolithic, the era of the first farmers.
Together with the site archaeologists, you will assist in unearthing the court tomb layout. Most of these tombs were semi-circular with their open side facing outwards. Some were fully enclosed courts entered by a narrow passage, while others were open but have straight sides.
During your 5-day excavation, your days will consist of:
• Working with site directors, Dr. Noel McCarthy and Dr. Michelle Comber and other professional archaeologists. You'll also be working alongside international university students and local community participants.
• Archaeological fieldwork begins at 9am and ends at 5pm each day.
• You’ll break for mid-morning and lunch (It’s time to find your hearty packed lunch and enjoy a well-deserved break to your day.)
• At about 5pm each day, your driver will be waiting for you to escort you back to the hotel.
• Evenings are free to relax and enjoy on your own
Project Size: 1-24 participants
Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 6 days
Minimum Age: 18
Experience Required: No experience needed.
Room and Board Arrangements:
All accommodations are included in the cost. All breakfasts and packed lunch are included. Some dinners are included.
Academic Credit:
n/a
