Overview: This flexible eight- to ten-week program provides a unique, hands-on opportunity for students to develop a wide range of practical field and research skills through immersion in the Digging the Lost Town of Carrig and Building the Lost Town of Carrig Projects. The program is limited to ten students, chosen based on a proven ability to work well within a team, and is heavily discounted from the standard program costs. Through a series of distinct modules taught by leading experts in their specialist fields, students will learn: Cultural Resource Management Assessment; Archaeological Excavation Methods; Forensic Anthropology; and Experimental Archaeology.
The diversity of this course allows students to understand the significance of archaeological research and practical skills and how to apply those skills to interpret and communicate an internationally significant archaeological site within a public heritage park.
Covid-19 Cancellations: For students that book directly with IAFS: In the event that IAFS cancel a program a full refund will be issued, this does not include students that book through the IFR.
For students that book an IAFS program through the IFR: If a student has booked their course through the IFR please check their Terms & Conditions.
In the event that a student cancels a program please see our Terms and Conditions.
Staying with local families in homestay accommodation in Wexford in the southeast of Ireland, this program also offers a deeply enriching cultural immersion, guaranteeing students a truly memorable experience.
The program includes a provision for one week of quarantine on arrival in Ireland, if required due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Registration does not guarantee acceptance to the program, which is contingent on a reference check. Once we have contacted your referee, and are happy with their reference, we will contact you with an official acceptance and payment link for a minimum payment of a €500 deposit.
Course Details
Course Dates: May 30 – July 24, 2021 (option to extend to August 7)
Where: Wexford and the Irish National Heritage Park
Enrollment Status: CLOSED
Including all meals, accommodation, tuition, instruction, equipment, t-shirt and field trips
Course Type: Archaeology, Anthropology, CRM, Landscape Assessment, Forensic Anthropology and Experimental Archaeology
Instructors: Dr. Denis Shine, Dr Linda Lynch, Dr Brendan O’Neill, Dr. Stephen Mandal
Cost: €6,375 to €7,975 (depending on duration and credit options)
Module 1 – CRM & Landscape Assessment (virtual if required by Covid-19 restrictions)
This module is exclusive to the Archaeological Field Skills Program and comprises an intensive research skills course covering Irish and European legislation, landscape assessment and historical research. It will cover all the key components of completing the Archaeological, Architectural and Cultural Heritage components of an Environmental Impact Assessment.
Module Dates: May 31 – June 4, 2021
Course Type: CRM, Landscape Assessment, Research Skills
Instructors: Dr Denis Shine, Dr Stephen Mandal
Available credits: n/a
Stand-alone cost: n/a
Module 2 – Forensic Anthropology – Dead Men Do Tell Tales
This one-week accredited module teaches students how to excavate and assess human remains in the surroundings of the Irish National Heritage Park located in Wexford on Ireland’s south-east coast. The Dead Men Do Tell Tales course is designed for students from a variety of academic backgrounds with an interest in osteoarchaeology and physical/forensic anthropology.
Module Dates: June 6 – 12, 2021
Course Type: Forensic Anthropology
Instructors: Dr Linda Lynch, Dr Denis Shine, Dr Stephen Mandal
Available credits: 7.5 ECTS (equivalent to 3-4 US semester credits)
Stand-alone cost: €1,260
Module 3 – Experimental Archaeology and Materiality of the Medieval Period in Ireland
This four-week credited module provides an in-depth insight to the role of crafts, technologies and construction techniques in Ireland through time. Focusing on both the built environment and materiality in the later medieval period, students will actively participate in a range of bespoke experimental archaeology workshops and building project.
Module Dates: June 13 – July 10, 2021
Course Type: Experimental Archaeology
Instructors: Dr Brendan O’Neill, Dr Denis Shine
Available credits: 8 semester credit units (equivalent to 12 quarter units)
Stand-alone cost: €3,650 – €3,950
Module 4 – Field Anthropology – Uncovering the Archaeology of Conflict and Colonisation
This two-week accredited summer school module gives students a hands-on orientation of archaeological field techniques and field anthropology, including archaeological survey, archaeological excavation, experimental archaeology and post-excavation analysis. The module is delivered at the Ferrycarrig ringwork castle, within the confines of the Irish National Heritage Park (INHP) in Wexford, southeast Ireland.
Module Dates: July 12 – 24, 2021
Course Type: Archaeology and Anthropology – field skills
Instructors: Dr Denis Shine
Available credits: 7.5 ECTS (equivalent to 3-4 US semester credits)
Stand-alone cost: €1,975
Module 5 – Field Anthropology – advanced methods
This two-week module is an optional extension to Module 4 and is exclusive to the Archaeological Field Skills Program. It provides students with a more in-depth understanding of field excavation techniques and post-excavation laboratory analysis.
Module Dates: July 26 – August 7, 2021
Course Type: Archaeology and Anthropology – advanced field skills
Instructors: Dr Denis Shine
Available credits: n/a
Stand-alone cost: n/a
