Dig up an authentic piece of Irish history by taking part in an exclusive archaeological excavation in the stunning Burren landscape.
The history of human settlement in the Burren in Ireland’s rugged west stretches back thousands of years and is revealed in the artefacts and sites that have been excavated there by archaeologists.
Now Ancient Odysseys is offering the unique chance to join an exclusive archaeology excavation of an important fortress complex within the Burren in July 2024. It’s the first time that archaeology fieldwork at this location has been made available to travellers.
A five-day vacation option focuses on carrying out archaeological fieldwork at an ancient royal settlement called Caherconnell, which is a well-preserved, multi-period complex, rich in sites and artefacts. The excellent preservation of its archaeological remains, which to date include four forts, means there is much work to be done to assist the researchers in excavating as many of Caherconnell’s component sites as possible.
Working with the archaeologists on-site, participants will get hands-on experience of archaeological discovery, uncovering artefacts and structures that have lain hidden for millennia. They will also be contributing to enriching Ireland’s heritage.
A second Ancient Odysseys vacation option offers a further five days of exploring significant archaeological and historical sites in the area. These include Dun Aonghasa, an Iron Age fort on the Aran islands, beautiful Kylemore Abbey in Connemara and the sights and sounds of Galway city.
Also in the west of Ireland, the Achill Archaeological Field School will run a one-week introduction to Irish archaeology in August providing a first taste of field methods for anyone with an interest in archaeology, anthropology and local history.
Achill is a beautiful island lying off the coast of County Mayo, which has spectacular beaches as well as a fascinating history. It was one of the key filming locations for the movie The Banshees of Inisherin.
Ireland’s story is revealed through hundreds of significant archaeological and historical sites to be found across the island. Those interested in its ancient heritage should not miss visiting Brú na Bóinne in County Meath, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home of the 5000-year-old Newgrange tomb and the largest collection of megalithic art in Europe. The sacred Hill of Tara, once the seat of power for the high kings of Ireland, is also in County Meath.
There are also a number of important and fascinating early Christian ecclesiastical sites including the sixth-century monastic settlements at Glendalough, County Wicklow, Clonmacnoise, County Offaly, Devenish Island, County Fermanagh and the otherworldly Skellig Michael, an island off the coast of County Kerry where the stone beehive houses built by monks 1,500 years ago still stand.
