Ireland: Birr Survey (IFR)

Location: Townparks, Birr, Co. Offaly, Ireland

Session Dates: June 9-June 22, 2024

Application Deadline: April 1, 2024

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://ifrglobal.org/program/ireland-birr-short/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Institute for Field Research (IFR), Irish Archaeology Field School (IAFS), Irish Heritage School

Project Director:
Dr. Stephen Mandal, Dr. Fiona McGowan & Prof. John Feehan

Project Description:

Throughout human history, people have been interacting with the natural landscape, seeking food, water, shelter, and resources with which to build a better life. Understanding the landscape, how it formed, and how it has been altered by humans is an integral part of the study of archaeology. This unique, teaching-focused program has been designed to give students an in-depth understanding of the natural landscape, from the underlying bedrock to the glacial landforms, from the overlying soils to the flora and fauna they support. With this knowledge, students will be equipped to study the interaction of humans with the landscape through the millennia. The program combines field studies with laboratory work to piece together two different landscapes in two distinct locations: Birr in the midlands and the Burren in County Clare on the West coast. Staying with local families in homestay accommodations, this program also offers deeply enriching cultural immersion, guaranteeing students a truly memorable experience.

**This program is an introduction to Geology and Geoarchaeology. It is designed to present students with the fundamentals of field work and a taste for the rigor of field research, from the perspective of relating cultural heritage to the underlying landscape.**

Period(s) of Occupation: Various

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Students are expected to stay the full length of the program.

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: None

Room and Board Arrangements:
With the exception of the extended field trips in the Burren, the students will be housed in homestay accommodation in the town of Birr, Co. Offaly (see schedule). Homestay students live with local families, and experience true home life in provincial Ireland. Students are to keep the accommodation clean and tidy at all times and to be respectful towards their homestay family and roommates. Students will walk (or be dropped to and collected from) a designated meeting point (normally Birr Square or Birr Community School). Breakfast and dinner will be provided along with a packed lunch. On weekends, students are encouraged to avail of their free time and explore Ireland. Food will be provided during extended field trips. In the Burren accommodation will be in (single sex) shared dormitory style rooms in local hostels, with meals provided in a communal setting.

Academic Credit:
2 semester (3 quarter)