The field school will be running a number of courses including introductory and specialist programmes. From April to June, students will work at the deserted post-Medieval village at Slievemore to begin excavating at House 6, one of the many structures now standing empty on the southern slopes of the island’s largest mountain. The settlement grew steadily in the 18th and early 19th centuries before declining rapidly with the onset of the Great Irish Famine in the later 1840s.
In July and August, excavations are expected to commence at the late Medieval tower house at Kildavnet. This small castle stands on the edge of Achill Sound close to the southern tip of the island and the project will focus on the bawn (defensive wall surrounding an Irish tower house) area around the castle. The excavation has the potential to reveal much about the social and agricultural context of the castle in the late Medieval period.
Students should be at least 17 years old, although younger volunteers can be accommodated by special arrangement. Cost includes lodgings (with self-catering facilities), local transportation and tuition in all aspects of site excavation and recording. Academic credits are available on the modular courses. Visitors are welcome at any time.
