Project Description

Overview

Join this unique experimental archaeology program for the ultimate DIY experience! You’ll work alongside archaeologists to experiment with different building techniques in order to test hypotheses about life in Ireland from prehistory through the medieval period. For example, you might build a clay beehive, learn to smelt metal, or practice cooking on a spit above an open fire. By the end of the program, you’ll develop an understanding of the role of crafts, technology, and construction in Irish society throughout time, and get to share your knowledge with the general public at the Irish National Heritage Park. 

Field school highlights:

  • Develop highly employable skills like creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, time management, and project design that will serve you in life and on the job market!
  • Engage with local residents and tourists as you conduct workshops at a living history museum.
  • Make personal connections by living with an Irish family in their home. 
Download 2024 Syllabus
Course Details
Course Dates July 14-August 10, 2024
Course Type Experimental archaeology
Instructors Dr. Brendan O’Neill, Dr. Stephen Mandal & Derek O’Brien
Credits  6 semester (9 quarter)
Apply By April 15
Fees Due By Summer 2 (May 15)
Program Fees
Tuition $4275
Transcript Fee* $300
Health & Evacuation Insurance $125
Room & Board $1,535
TOTAL: $6,235
Application Closed*

*This program may accept students past the deadline. Email admissions@ifrglobal.org for more information.

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Instructors

The directors welcome emails and inquiries about the research elements of this project. More general information (tuition, health insurance, and payment schedule) can be found under the ‘Students’ tab above. Any further questions may be addressed to IFR staff. Additional details about research, course schedule, travel, accommodation, and safety can be found on the syllabus. Contacting the directors or the IFR office is encouraged and appreciated. It may help you determine if this field school is a good fit for you.

Dr. Brendan O'Neill
Dr. Brendan O'Neill
Dr. O’Neill is an Associate Professor School of Archaeology, University College Dublin; Deputy Director for the Centre of Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture, a world leading facility dedicated to better understanding archaeology through the analysis and reproduction of artifacts, structures, and processes.
Dr. Stephen Mandal
Dr. Stephen Mandal
Dr. Mandal is the Director and co-founder of the Irish Heritage School and a leading Irish archaeologist.
Derek O'Brien
Derek O’Brien info coming soon

Testimonials

Coming soon!

Payment & Student Fees

Application Fee: There is a $45 fee to submit an online application.

Deposit Payment: A nonrefundable $500 deposit is due within 3 weeks of program acceptance in order to secure your place. The remainder of your program fees are due by the deadline indicated under “Course Details”.

*Transcript Fee & Academic Credit Opt Out: If you wish to participate in an IFR field school without earning academic credits, you will not be charged a transcript fee.

For more information about payment, fees, and policies, please see details under our Payment & Finances and Withdrawal and Cancellation Policy pages.

Accommodations

Students will stay with local families in Co. Wexford. Homestay students live with local families, and experience true home life in provincial Ireland. Most students will be in a twin room and so will share with one other student.

Students will be brought to the site daily. Students should understand that the host families are in rural settings, requiring taxis to reach the town of Wexford. Students are encouraged to avail of their free time on weekends and explore Ireland.

Homestay accommodation will provide breakfast and dinner, along with a packed lunch. Our homestay network caters for all main dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, nongluten etc.); they provide a well-balanced diet of Irish cuisine, but students should anticipate trying new cuisine and not having all the items they might expect at home. Students are welcome to bring some special treats or a small gift from home to share with their families.

Travel Info

Natural disasters, political changes, weather conditions and various other factors may force the cancellation or alteration of a field school. IFR recommends students only purchase airline tickets that are fully refundable and consider travel insurance in case a program or travel plans must change for any reason.

General information for this program is below, but keep in mind we will discuss any updated travel information and regulations during the required program orientation, which could affect travel plans.

Students will be met at Ferrycarrig, Co. Wexford. Most students will likely fly into Dublin and use local transportation to reach Wexford. Since students will arrive on different flights at different times of the day, full details on reaching the park will be provided in the online orientation once you are enrolled in the course. 

VISA REQUIREMENTS
Citizens of the US and Canada do not require visas to enter Ireland. You will need your passport to be valid for at least 90 days and will enter on a tourist visa. Citizens of other countries are asked to check the embassy website page at their home country for specific visa requirements

No other vaccinations are required for entry to Ireland but anyone working in archaeology in Ireland needs to have an up-to-date tetanus shot.