The Big Dig

book the Big Dig for Events

The
Big
Dig
2025

The School of Irish Archaeology is proud to introduce the next step in the evolution of creative and hands-on learning for our younger generation. Our replica ‘Viking House’ and excavation site allows children and young adults to explore the Viking world through a simulated archaeology dig. 

The site is a fully mobile construction which is suitable for Festivals, Family Fun Days, Heritage/Corporate Events and is now available for participating schools and event centres nationwide. The workshop gives children and young adults the chance to experience what it is like to be an archaeologist by learning how to excavate the remains of a Viking house.

As they dig through the site, participants will unearth Viking treasures and artefacts dating back 1,000 years. They will learn about the lives of our Viking ancestors as history is brought to life by qualified archaeologists. Our educational workshops offer a unique experience that will leave our future generations fascinated by our ancient ancestors and eager to learn more.

The Big Dig Events 2025

St Patrick's Day Festival Dublin

15th & 16th March 2025

Dublin City

St Patrick's Day Festival Kilkenny

15th & 16th March 2025

Kilkenny City

Dublinia

16th & 17th April 2025

Dublinia

Sensoria

26th & 27th April 2025

Merrion Square, Dublin

The Leitrim Gathering

24th May 2025

Carrick-on-Shannon

Timahoe Heritage Festival

31st May & 1st June 2025 

Timahoe, County Laois

Cruinniu na nÓg

7th June 2025

Carlow County Museum

Archaeology Festival in Burren

22nd June 2025

Burren College of Art, Co. Clare

The Rose Festival

19th & 20th July 2025

St Anne’s Park, Clontarf, Dublin

Forest Fest

25th – 27th July 2025

County Laois

Youghal Medieval Festival

3rd August

Youghal, Co. Cork

Heritage Week 2025 Wexford Medieval Walled Towns Day

16th August 2025

Wexford Town

Heritage Week 2025 Meath

16th August 2025

Meath, Location TBC

Heritage Week 2025 Monaghan County Museum

16th August 2025

Heritage Week 2025 Glendalough Visitor Centre

17th August 2025

Wicklow

Heritage Week 2025 Meath

18th August 2025

Meath, Location TBC

Heritage Week 2025 Roscommon

22nd August 2025

Location TBC

Bandon Walled Towns

24th August 2025

Bandon, Co Cork

Watch this space!

More Dates TBC

The students loved the Big Dig. They really enjoyed the digging and it helped them to remember what they had learned in class. The size of the groups was perfect as they could all get involved and not just observe, they felt that they were real archaeologists; It was active learning in the best sense.
Sinead NiGhabhann
After he went to a Big Dig workshop last summer at Rathmines Library, he started his own archaeological dig in our back garden!
Marnie H
All of the teachers who supervised classes attending The Big Dig, were very impressed by the workshop and the facilitators. The workshops themselves were very engaging and hands on. The girls’ curiosity was piqued by the wonderful array of artefacts on display. The facilitators were very interesting and enthusiastic, answering all queries, effectively and patiently.
Barbara Davis

Innovative

Fun

Engaging

Hand-On Education

© All rights reserved The School of Irish Archaeology

Made with by TB

Innovative

Fun

Engaging

Hand-On Education

© All rights reserved The School of Irish Archaeology

Made with by TB