Ireland, Birr (Short 2-Weeks Session) – Institute for Field Research

Location: Townparks, Birr, Co. Offaly, Ireland

Season: June 18, 2023 to July 1, 2023

Session Dates: June 18- July 1, 2023

Application Deadline: May 8, 2023

Deadline Type: Exact Date

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

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Irish Archaeology Field School, School of Agriculture and Food Science at University College Dublin, Connecticut College, Institute for Field Research

Project Director:
Dr. Stephen Mandal & 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 a short introduction to Geology and Geoarchaeology. It is designed to present students with the basic fundamentals of field work and a taste for the rigor of field research. Students considering a full field school experience should apply to any of our standard 4-5 week-long programs. ***

Period(s) of Occupation: Various

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Participants are required to stay for the full duration of the field school.

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: No previous experience is required.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Students will be housed in Home Stay accommodation in the town of Birr, Co. Offaly. Home Stay 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 Home Stay family and roommates. Students will walk (or be dropped to and collected from) a designated meeting point. Breakfast and dinner will be provided along with a packed lunch. At weekends students are encouraged to avail of their free time and explore Ireland.

Academic Credit:
3 Semester Credit Units (equivalent to 3 Quarter Units) from Connecticut College