Archaeology & Experiential Learning Workshops for Adults

The School of Irish Archaeology presents a 5 week introductory course to archaeology for adults every Saturday for 5 weeks. Participants can also choose an individual one-day workshop on any of these Saturday’s with the choice of multiple workshops should they desire.

Pricing:

• 1 Day: €45
• 5 Week Course: €200

Content:

Our experiential learning course will focus on the process behind archaeology to inform its participants about how we disseminate the story of the past. We will explore ancient crafts and technologies by carrying out experimental hands-on archaeological workshops. The course will include informative and interactive sessions whereby we will use the material remains of the past including hands-on excavations and field techniques to explore this fascinating subject. The learning outcomes will offer adults a broader knowledge and awareness of the discipline of archaeology from a theoretical and practical standpoint, tracing the practice from its’ origins to how it is executed today. This exciting course focuses on the rich cultural heritage on the island of Ireland.

Topics covered will include: 

• Week 1: An Introduction to Archaeology – an overview of the origins and the practice of archaeology in Ireland
• Week 2: Archaeological Fieldwork & Methods
• Week 3: History of Agriculture & Bread Making Workshop
• Week 4: The Bronze Age & Axe-Casting Workshop
• Week 5: Archaeological Tour to the Medieval Town of Trim and Bective Abbey

In our last week we will take a fieldtrip to the Medieval Town of Trim in County Meath. We will also include in this excursion a visit to the beautiful and scenic site of Bective Abbey on the bend of the Boyne. During the day we will take a closer look at the evolution and development of the town of Trim through its history and archaeology from prehistory to medieval times. The excursion led by Mark Kelly who studied and completed his MA  dissertation on the town of Trim. Over the course of 5 years Mark worked and led excavations in the town of  Trim as an archaeologist. Mark will take you to some of the known and unknown archaeological hotspots around the town. This will then be followed by a visit to the Cistercian Abbey at Bective. 

* In this week you will require your own transport

Course Day & Time: Saturday Morning (10am – 2pm)

Dates: 1st Feb, 8th Feb, 15th Feb, 22nd Feb, & 1st March

Cost: €45 – €200

Course Format: In class and on-site with tutor

Duration: 5 weeks (limited availability)

Tutors: Mark Kelly MA & Averil White MSc– The School of Irish Archaeology