Our mission is to provide university faculties and students with an unrivalled outdoor classroom, coupled with an engaging, welcoming and enriching cultural experience.
Established in 2010, the Irish Heritage School (IHS) mission is to provide an unrivalled outdoor classroom, coupled with an engaging, welcoming and enriching cultural experience to all, from international university faculty and students, visitors and the local community.
We achieve this operating in an outdoor classroom within an established research framework led by a team of highly qualified and experienced heritage experts.
Initially focussing on accredited archaeological teaching and research for Irish and international university students, we have worked closely with local communities in counties Wicklow, Kildare, Meath, Wexford and Offaly.
The IHS has been working closely with the local community in Birr, county Offaly since the start of 2018 and have undertaken a number of community-based projects in partnership with local groups such as Birr 20:20, the Birr Growery, Birr Library, the Heritage Office (Amanda Pedlow) and Offaly County Council.
We are proud to offer a wide range of heritage training and experiences for all.
The team
Dr Stephen Mandal
Dr Stephen (Steve) Mandal is a geo-archaeologist passionate about learning by doing. A co-owner of the Irish Heritage School, he brings energy and expertise to everything from stone use to medieval ruins, inspiring learners of all ages through tactile, community-focused, and engaging education.
Dr Denis Shine
Dr Denis Shine is an archaeologist and educator with a PhD in community-led archaeology. He has worked across Ireland and beyond since 2006, combining research, teaching, and public engagement. A co-owner of the Irish Heritage School, Denis aims to make archaeology meaningful, hands-on, and rooted in community stories.
Dr Annamaria Diana
Dr Annamaria (Anna) Diana is a human osteoarchaeologist uncovering lives through skeletal remains. With a PhD from Edinburgh and global fieldwork experience, she leads forensic and bioarchaeology programs. Her passion and insight turn skeletal remains into unforgettable, human-centred histories.
Richard Reid
Richard Reid is an archaeologist, designer, and craftsman. With over two decades of excavation experience and creative flair, he brings technical and artistic skills to the Irish Heritage School. From supervising digs to building exhibits, Richard mixes precision with storytelling and practical magic.
Daniel O’Meara
Daniel O’Meara blends archaeology with digital innovation. A field archaeologist and 3D modelling expert, Daniel’s work brings ancient sites to life. He’s known for high-quality photography, tech-savvy reconstructions, and making heritage accessible through cutting-edge visual storytelling.
Debbie O'Brien
Debbie O’Brien has enjoyed a long career in the luxury travel industry and has traveled the world as a sales director of one of the world’s premium hotel brands. She brings a wealth of experience and joy to the role of travel planning for the cultural tourism section of the organisation.
Frank Shine
Frank Shine is a good boy. He boost spirits, loves fieldwork, and provides emotional support to students and staff. If you like throwing sticks or balls or rocks or…. well, anything… Frank will be your friend for life.
Madge Shine
Madge Shine is the school’s hound-dog. She has small-dog-syndrome, but there is nothing small about her heart and what she lacks in leg-length she more than makes up for in tail wagging and schnuggleabilty! A small word of warning – do NOT leave your lunch unattended!!
Nala Mandal
Nala Mandal is the company feline. Need some help? Tough luck. Feeling homesick? She doesn’t care. Want to pet her? Forget it. Nala works from home in Dublin because she can’t tolerate student’s whining. She rose to the top of the school’s management through ruthlessness and blackmail rather than hard work.