Looking to earn some college credits this year by doing archaeological fieldwork in Ireland? Then the Irish Archaeology Field School (IAFS) has the perfect program for you! IAFS offers a unique opportunity to participate in research based field studies in Blackfriary, Ireland alongside leading archaeology experts. Throughout the program, students will use various archaeological techniques, recording methodologies and all methods of excavation.

The program is split into 5 different modules, all consisting of 2 weeks each. In order, they are: 1-Introduction to Field Archaeology, 2-Advanced Methods in Field Archaeology, 3-Post Excavation Methods and Archaeological Reporting, 4-Introduction to Archival and Desk-Based Archaeological Research, and 5-Introduction to Bioarchaeology and Osteoarchaeology. Modules 1 and 4 require no prior experience, whereas modules 2,3 and 5 require either module 1 or equivalent. Modules 3 and 4 are lab based, and are held in the winter months.

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IAFS Archaeology Project in Blackfriary, Ireland

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I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Trim and at the Blackfriary Field School. The program began with discussion and exploration of the town and its environs, both historic and contemporaneous. But within the week we began excavating and covered a myriad of topics such as zooarchaeology, bioarchaeology, history, excavation and survey theory, and the practical how-to of excavation. The program included theory and lectures, with visiting specialists that brought a lot of the sub-disciplines focuses to attention, giving an introduction to the more nuanced aspects of the discipline, such as restoration and preservation.
The instructors were patient and thorough, and right there with us in the trenches during excavation.
My host family was absolutely delightful, going above and beyond my expectations and really made me feel like one of the family. I understand others to have had similar experiences, but some people didn't quite get along with their host family. A lot of people seemed to enjoy the local pubs, but since Dublin was a busride away I opted for the Museums on the weekends.
Due to the breadth of experiences offered, I was more prepared for later courses in Zooarchaeology, Forensic Anthropology, and Human Osteology. And on a personal level, proved to myself that I could physically go out and practice archaeology in the field.

What would you improve about this program?

Although they told us what we needed to bring, I wish I knew what not to bring as well. I ended up bringing around 10 lbs. of unnecessary stuff, which cost me quite a bit in luggage fees.

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Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose to attend the Blackfriary field school because I saw it as an opportunity to learn about Ireland and broaden the focus of my archaeological studies, as opposed to purely historical, knowledge of Northern Europe.

The Blackfriary archaeological field school dovetailed nicely with my academic interests and as an added bonus, working in the heart of a small Irish town affords one more amenities than an Appalachian mountain holler. The site itself offers many opportunities to learn about the subdisciplines and interdisciplinary fields within archaeology.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The program furnished me with a place to stay, meals, a lovely host family, and all necessary equipment. I had to cover the plane ticket and travel from Dublin to Trim, as well as weekend activities, I ended up going kayaking on the Boyne, going to Dublin, taking a day trip to Glendalough, just exploring Trim. I know some others visited the cliffs of Moher.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Bring a light raincoat, a good set of shoes and boots, a spade, and maybe a pocket knife. Other than that, pack as you would normally. Don't over pack, because it's a hassle lugging all that stuff around. And explore the town and its environs.

Prepare for rain. It comes and goes all the time, but sometimes it stays, and when it does, it pours. And if you go in the summer, prepare for the light to persist far longer than you might be used to. Around the solstice, it really only got dark around 11:00 PM.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average day's routine: Get up early, excavate, tea, excavate or lecture, lunch, excavate or lecture. Close up the site for the evening, return home, eat, work on your paper. As an American, I quite enjoyed Tea breaks. It allowed one to sit down and collect ones self properly if you're not a morning person. On weekends, its whatever you want. Dublin is fairly close.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it?

For myself, I wondered if I could physically do the work. Digging, hauling dirt, cutting sod, moving rocks, and crawling around on your hands and knees. I questioned my endurance, to be able to do it all day and for a month straight.

When I arrived, I approached the challenge head on, and though it was tough and painful at times, it was worth it and got easier. The only thing that never really improved was the pain on my knees, but the field school provided enough pads that I could avoid pain, even on rocky earth.

What differentiates Blackfriary Archaeological Field School from other programs?

Amazing people and a unique location. Instructors, the host family, Trim itself. You're going to be spending quite some time with wherever you go, and I'd be hard pressed to find a more knowledgeable, patient, and enthusiastic group of people to work with.

The site itself is offered me a chance to feel like I was contributing to the discipline rather than going out and doing shovel testing and digging trenches for the explicit purpose of learning how to do it. Giving meaning to my education beyond my own experience gave me a taste of what it would be like to practice archaeology at a professional level.

Location

Location:

Ireland

Currency:

Euro

Weather:

Jan-Mar

52 F / 36 F

Apr-Jun

64 F / 41 F

Jul-Sep

68 F / 50 F

Oct-Dec

57 F / 37 F

Airports:

Dublin DUB

( DUB )

Cork

( ORK )

Shannon

( SNN )

Ireland is infamous for the historic castles and the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way. If you are looking to experience lush greenery and countryside beauty, Ireland can keep you occupied for a lifetime.

About Irish Archaeology Field School

Come study abroad in Ireland with the Irish Archaeology Field School this year! IAFS is Ireland's leading university accredited provider of archaeological research and training. The mission of IAFS is to give students interested in archaeology and anthropology the opportunity to participate in first rate excavations with leading scientists in their...

IAFS Archaeology Study Abroad Program in Ireland

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