Achill Archaeological Field School  

Location: Dooagh, Co. Mayo, Ireland

Season: May 17, 2021 to August 27, 2021

Session Dates: May 17 - June 25; June 28 - August 6; May 17 - June 11; June 28 - July 23; August 9 - August 27

Application Deadline: April 30, 2021

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://achill-fieldschool.com

Discount for AIA members: Free 1-Day Guided Tour

Program Type:
Field School, Staff Position

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Project Director:
Dr. Theresa McDonald

Project Description:

Tamnaghmore (great meadow), a small enigmatic settlement, which probably dates to the late/post medieval period. Tawnaghmore is a nucleated settlement of 16 unplanned houses running in a linear fashion over 170m of ground at an elevation of 97m asl. The site is located on ground sloping gently south-eastwards, along the left and right banks of the Abhainabhaile River, which flows in a south easterly direction and enters the sea at Dooagh. Access to Tawnaghmore from Dooagh is along the banks of the Abhainabhaile River, following a bog road, a narrow grass-covered track and a glacial ridge to reach the site. There is no visible road/track into the settlement. To the north east is a grass and bog covered linear settlement with an unknown number of houses called Caislean which may suggest the presence of a Cathair (stone fort) in this area sometime in the remote past. A pollen core taken in 2005 indicated the presence of a deciduous forest in this area during the mid to late Neolithic (Caseldine, C. 2005, 169-178).

The settlement appears of maps dated to 1809 and 1838 but little is known about its period of occupation or abandonment. The houses are relatively large, have some unusual features and are sub-rectangular in shape.

Period(s) of Occupation: Late to post medieval AD1550-1900

Notes:
The key to our training is small group size, combined with instruction that is delivered directly by highly experienced archaeologists. In this way we ensure that each lesson is delivered in great detail and that each student fully understands the different procedures and the rationale behind them

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 2 weeks

Minimum Age: 17 years and upwards

Experience Required: None.

Room and Board Arrangements:
2 weeks €1,995 (Euro) 3 weeks €2,250 4 weeks €3,950 6 weeks €4,790 Includes tuition & materials, academic credit, self-catering accommodation and local transport to and from site

Academic Credit:
3 Semester Credits OR 6 ECTS Credits available for each 2-weeks SS course. 9 Semester credits for 6-weeks course