Caherconnell Archaeological Field School

Caherconnell Fieldschool is undergoing changes, for information on summer school 2025 please contact the school directly on info@caherconnell.com 

Academic Director: Dr. Michelle Comber

Course Overview

The unique Burren landscape of western Ireland has huge archaeological potential, on a local, regional, national, and international scale, due to its excellent preservation of upstanding remains and material culture. The Caherconnell Archaeological Project began in 2007 with an excavation within a large settlement enclosure (a ’cashel’) of Caherconnell, in the central Burren, Co. Clare. The following year, a second excavation was undertaken, this time focused on a medieval structure outside the cashel. 2009 saw a third excavation, one that concentrated on a prehistoric settlement and ritual site. The School was established in 2010 to continue archaeological research in this landscape, and is currently excavating the royal settlement of Caherconnell cashel itself.

The Caherconnell Archaeological Field School course is designed to cater for anyone with an interest in the Irish past, archaeological excavation, monument and artefact survey. The skills taught can be used around the world, and are not confined to Irish archaeology. No prior experience is required, though places are limited so early application is advised, with applications opening in Sep/Oct each year. The excavations and research that students participate in at Caherconnell is of national and international significance. The archaeology of this place is very rich, allowing the development of a landscape approach and the tracing of uninterrupted native activity over the course of thousands of years.

Course Modules

Please refer to the website for confirmation of modules on offer in any given year https://caherconnell.com/archaeology/

SS109 Introduction to Archaeological Excavation (3 Semester Credits/6 ECTS Credits)

This intensive module is designed to provide students with their first taste of archaeological excavation. It will explain the varied methods used by archaeologists to excavate different types of site, whilst providing practical experience of at least one of those methods in the field.  This will be achieved through on-site talks and lectures, physical demonstrations, and hands-on experience.

SS110 Intermediate Archaeological Excavation (3 Semester Credits/6 ECTS Credits) 

This intensive module is designed to train students in intermediate-level skills of archaeological excavation. It will explain the varied methods used by archaeologists to excavate different types of site and provide experience in a number of necessary skills, including grid establishment and use, trowelling techniques, feature excavation, artefact recovery and recording, sampling methodology, context recording, and planning and photography, in addition to basic excavation responsibilities and team supervision. This will be achieved through on-site talks and lectures, physical demonstrations, and hands-on experience.

SS111 Advanced Archaeological Excavation (3 Semester Credits/6 ECTS Credits)

This intensive module is designed to train students in advanced-level skills of archaeological excavation. It will provide experience of all the necessary excavation and primary post-excavation skills, in addition to excavation management, team supervision, trainee tuition, and interaction with the public. This will be achieved through on-site talks and lectures, physical demonstrations, and hands-on experience.

Each individual module is 3 Semester Credits/6 ECTS Credits.  

Start Dates and Costs

Please refer to our website for details on courses, start dates, tuition and accommodation costs https://caherconnell.com/archaeology/

Apply

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and physically fit.

To Apply please see https://caherconnell.com/archaeology/

Further Information

For further information applicants should contact:
Caherconnell Archaeological Field School
Caherconnell Stone Fort, Carron, Kilfenora, Co. Clare
Tel: + 353 65 7089999
Fax: + 353 65 7089888
Email: info@caherconnell.com 
Web:  http://caherconnell.com/archaeology/