The Big Dig

book the Big Dig for Events

The
Big
Dig
2024

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 2024

Phoenix Park Visitor Centre

30th & 31st March 2024

Phoenix Park, Dublin

Dublinia

4th, 5th & 6th April 2024

Dublinia

Phoenix Park Visitor Centre​

22nd & 23rd June 2024

Phoenix Park, Dublin

Kaleidoscope Festival

29th & 30th June 2024

Russborough House, Co Wicklow

Flavours of Fingal County Show

29th & 30th June 2024

Newbridge House and Farm

The Rose Festival

Dates TBC

St Anne’s Park, Clontarf

Cavan County Museum

20th July

County Cavan

Youghal Medieval Festival

6th August

Youghal, Co. Cork

Wexford Walled Towns Day

17th August

Wexford Town

Phoenix Park Visitor Centre​

17th & 18th August

Phoenix Park, Dublin

Phoenix Park Visitor Centre​

7th & 8th September

Phoenix Park, Dublin

Phoenix Park Visitor Centre​

27th & 28th October

Phoenix Park, Dublin

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