We are Ireland’s leading provider of accredited, field-based archaeological research and training programs. The ethos of the school is to provide an opportunity for students of archaeology and anthropology to experience at first hand the excitement of archaeological excavation in a teaching environment.
Our archaeological and heritage programs include research projects in a number of locations in Ireland, including in Co. Wexford and Co. Offaly (with satellite schools frequently undertaken elsewhere). We provide credited and uncredited programs (and internships) for novice and experienced students, and also specialise in the preparation of purpose-built faculty led programs incorporating excavation, historical research, remote sensing, non-invasive survey, ground investigation, landscape assessment etc.
Whilst our programs are excavation-centered and aimed primarily at students of archaeology, anthropology and history, courses are open to all, and are guaranteed to give you an enriching and thoroughly worthwhile study abroad adventure.
THE IRISH ARCHAEOLOGY FIELD SCHOOL
Research Projects
The Irish Archaeology Field School is engaged in a number of research projects, including collaborations with established academics, student graduate research, and community groups. Find out more about our research projects here.
2025 Programs
We provide a wide range of expert-led research-focused courses designed to introduce students to practical archaeological field methods, and to build and expand on knowledge and experience gained in the classroom. Book a field school here.
YOUR IRISH ADVENTURE AWAITS!
Project Profile: Ferrycarrig Research Project
Our marquee archaeological project, Digging the Lost Town of Carrig, takes place at the Carrick archaeological site, in the Irish National Heritage Park (INHP), Wexford. The project was founded in January of 2018 by the IAFS and INHP and focuses on the Carrick ringwork (SMR WX037-028002-), one of the most historically significant, but lesser known, medieval sites in Ireland. Carrick, founded in the winter of 1169 by Robert FitzStephen, was the first Anglo-Norman stronghold in the country being constructed the year before the main Anglo-Norman landing party at Baginbun. A stone castle, medieval borough and deerpark developed close to (or on) the site of the ringwork in the 13th century. Our project aims to establish Carrick’s rightful importance to the medieval histories of Co. Wexford, Ireland and Britain.
Project Profile: Ferns Research Project
In June 2021 the Irish Archaeology Field School (IAFS) will launch a major next archaeological research project at the site of St Aidan’s Monastery, Ferns, Co. Wexford (WX015-003004-, WX015-003031-, WX015-003032-, WX015-003033-). The project, established as a partnership between the IAFS, Wexford County Council and the local community, aims to assess one of the most historically significant, but hitherto relatively unassessed, Early Medieval sites in southeast Ireland. The St Aidan’s Monastery project is centred on a major research excavation of both the 7th century monastery and a latter 12th century Augustinian Abbey, which hopes to draw the site into the town of Ferns as a ‘key heritage attraction’, in the process providing added economic and amenity value to the local community.
