Our internships are aimed almost exclusively at IAFS alumni* who want to expend on their archaeological skills, learnt from previous IAFS programs (*note: we can make exceptions for the right individual). Our internships are based from our headquarters in Birr, County Offaly, which we use as launchpad to undertake fieldwork at several leading midlands heritage sites.
Our summer programs of 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 weeks take place between June 1st and August 16th, 2025. Internship tasks focus on site excavation, survey, architectural recording, archaeological and historical research, community archaeology, photogrammetry, and post-excavation.
Students stay with local families in homestay accommodation, guaranteeing an enriching cultural immersion and truly memorable experience.
Our IAFS internship is designed to provide valuable experience working and learning from our research and education staff in the field and laboratory/office, thus ensuring a positive learning experience and providing on-the-job training.
Interns will gain experience in some or all of the following areas:
In the Field
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Answering questions about the project’s research that are posed by site visitors
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Excavating and recording archaeological features
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Maintaining provenience control for cultural materials
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Completion of site records, registers and other paper records
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Drawing measured plan and section drawings
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Recording stratigraphic profiles
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Using a total station and/or other survey instruments
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Photographing archaeological monuments and features
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Photogrammetry of monuments, artefacts and architectural fragments
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Architectural recording
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Graveyard recording
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Contributing to the public outreach of the project
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Helping with site logistics
In the Laboratory/Office
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Answering questions from visitors to the project about laboratory protocols
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Processing archaeological artifacts and samples
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Maintaining provenience control for cultural materials and associated records
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Cleaning and assessing a variety of artifacts, including pottery, metal, etc
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Cataloguing archaeological collections on the site database to National Museum of Ireland standards
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Processing survey data (from photogrammetry, total station surveys etc)
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Processing field data (for example for graveyard recording)
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Historical and archaeological research
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Assist in hosting public archaeology and educational events
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Contribute to laboratory logistics
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Contribute to best practice curation of the site
Education and/or Experience
Advanced undergraduate or graduate course work in archaeology, anthropology, museum studies, or related fields is required. A minimum of four weeks archaeological field experience, such as a field school, is also required.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact us and please also consult our our Terms and Conditions.
Summer Internship Details
Course Dates: June 1st – August 16th, 2025 (12 / 11 / 10 / 9 / 8 weeks)
Tuition: 8 weeks: €5000; 9 weeks €5500; 10 weeks €6000; 11 weeks €6500; 12 weeks: €7000
Credit: Internships can be accredited or unaccredited, please get in touch if you need credit.
Location: Birr, Co. Offaly, Ireland.
Instructors: Dr Denis Shine, Dr Stephen Mandal and associated IAFS staff.
Includes: All meals, accommodation, tuition, instruction, equipment, and field trips.
Application/Payment Deadline: *April 25th, 2025
*A late application fee of €200 will apply after this date.
Email: info@irishheritageschool.ie for more information, and don’t forget to check our Terms and Conditions.