Field Anthropology: 2 Week Program

We are excited to continue our two-week field anthropology course, based in handsome and charming heritage town of Birr, County Offaly. Our campus in Birr serves as a base for all our course teaching and lab-work, whilst providing a launching pad to investigate several regional monastic and later medieval sites. The program is run in partnership with Maynooth University Ireland (MUI) and taught by experts in their fields.

This field school takes a truly landscape scale approach to archaeological research. The program begins by examining the geological and glacial processes that shaped the landscape in which the early saints founded their monasteries. It will then apply a range of archaeological survey, recording and research techniques to interpret the sites they left behind, documenting the earthworks, structures and architectural fragments that continue to survive at these monasteries.

The program, which aims to teach a variety of skills that will help prepare students for a career in the Cultural Resource Management (CRM) sector, includes the following modules:

• landscape assessment including geology, glacial morphology
• a wide range of survey techniques including the principals of baseline survey (tape survey), total station survey, graveyard recording, building recording etc
• photogrammetry and drone use in archaeology
• an introduction to the Single Context recording system, focused simulated excavations
• an introduction to community archaeological practice, including a service project that will help the local community reach their objectives for leading regional heritage sites
• field trips that will provide a baseline understanding of the early medieval history of Ireland, the Monastic Midlands, County Offaly and many of its leading sites

Staying with local families in homestay accommodation, this program also offers a deeply enriching cultural immersion, guaranteeing students a truly memorable experience.

Registration does not guarantee acceptance to the program, which is contingent on a reference check. Once we have contacted your referee, and are happy with their reference, we will contact you with an official acceptance and payment link for a minimum payment of a €500 deposit. Only payment of this deposit secures your place on the course, full payment is due by the payment deadline. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us and please also consult our Terms and Conditions.