Ancient Ireland the Boyne Valley

Location: Boyne Valley Cottage, Donore, County Meath, Ireland

Season: June 30, 2026 to July 12, 2026

Session Dates: 30 June - 12 July 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://digventures.com/projects/boyne-valley/crowdfund

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Project Director:
Dr Brendon Wilkins MIAI MCIfA

Project Description:

DigVentures is investigating two newly discovered Neolithic monuments in the Boyne Valley, Ireland.

So far, most archaeological investigations into the Boyne Valley’s prehistory have been tightly focused on the iconic monuments of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. These monuments are located on the northern side of the River Boyne, at the heart of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But now, archaeological attention is spreading south of the river and out across the wider valley, with a growing recognition that an even bigger story lies buried in the surrounding landscape.

In the last 10 years, large-scale geophysical research by UCD School of Archaeology and the Romano-Germanic Commission (RGK), Frankfurt, along with INSTAR-funded lidar, satellite and palaeoenvironmental surveys of Brú na Bóinne, has revealed a hidden landscape of henges, timber enclosures, ritual structures, palisades and the remains of vast wooden monuments. Some of them are so large that they are estimated to have required the felling of 14,000 trees to make them. The scale of these discoveries is immense, and very little is known about them.

In 2023, DigVentures teamed up with University College Dublin School of Archaeology to do archaeological research in the Boyne Valley and explore these recently discovered sites. Combining the strengths of community and academic archaeology, DigVentures and UCD Archaeology have launched an archaeology field school, providing both university students and members of the public the unique opportunity to build skills while contributing to internationally significant research, and have returned each year.

Period(s) of Occupation: Neolithic

Notes:
This excavation takes place over two weeks. Participants have the choice to join for week 1, week 2, or both weeks. Dig days will run from Tuesday – Sunday, with Mondays off. Food, travel, and accommodation are not included in field school costs. Some people may find this dig more challenging than others; the site is located on top of a steep hill, and the nature of the archaeology means digging can be more physically demanding. We’ll always do our best to make suitable adjustments to ensure you can take part if you get in touch. For example, it is possible to drive up the hill, and there are a range of activities on site other than digging that are less strenuous.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 6 days

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: At least two days experience on another dig, or a basic understanding of core archaeological fieldwork principles.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Room and board are not included. Participants will need to find nearby accommodation and make their own way to the meeting point each morning. Car shares may be available with other participants.

Academic Credit:
N/A