Location: 62JR+QV Maree, County Galway, Ireland
Season: June 27, 2027 to July 17, 2027
Session Dates: THREE Different weeks offered: Week of June 27 Week of July 4 Week of July 11
Application Deadline: April 1, 2027
Deadline Type: Rolling
Website: https://www.ancientodysseys.com/archaeologydigireland
Discount for AIA members: USD €3620-€4570
Program Type:
Field School, Volunteer
RPA Certified:
No
Affiliation:
University of Galway
Ancient Odysseys
Project Director:
Noel McCarthy and Michelle Comber
Project Description:
Join an incredibly exciting excavation of an Early Neolithic (3700-3500 BC), court tomb and portal tomb on the Maree Peninsula. At Prospecthill, the large stones of a Neolithic Court tomb stood for five millennia.
On Ireland’s Maree Peninsula, join archaeologists as they continue to excavate at an extraordinary Neolithic site.
Work on Prospecthill began in 2026 with archaeologists Drs. Noel McCarthy and Michelle Comber. The team have been working to identify and excavate ancient sites on the Maree Peninsula to shed light on burial and ritual traditions among Ireland’s earliest farming communities.
In 2026, work began to excavate an Early Neolithic (3700-3500 BC) court tomb but excavations revealed something unexpected. Alongside the court tomb was a portal tomb, with both dating to about 6,000 years ago. Prospecthill is the only known example in Ireland where both types of tombs have been found together.
Excavations have also revealed stone tools, prehistoric pottery, cremated remains, and an unusual amethyst pendant unlike any previously discovered at an Irish megalithic site.
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 at a site with a 6,000-year history.
You will be hands-on in the quest to unearth both the court tomb and portal tomb found at this site, along with artifacts dating from Early Neolithic Ireland. This five day excavation includes training in 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. Your work will contribute to researchers’ understanding of this area's native settlement, economics, and politics through time. Your finds will join the collections at the National Museum of Ireland.
In 2027, alongside archaeologists Dr. Noel McCarthy and Dr. Michelle Comber, you will assist in unearthing the court tomb and portal tomb layouts and associated artifacts.
During your 5-day excavation, your days will consist of:
-Working with site directors, Dr. Noel McCarthy and Dr. Michelle Comber. You'll also be working alongside Irish and 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
-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
Accommodations, breakfasts and packed lunches included.
Transfers between hotel in Galway and the site are included.
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
