Ancient Ireland and the Boyne Valley

Location: The Boyne Valley, County Meath, Ireland

Season: July 1, 2025 to July 13, 2025

Session Dates: 01 - 13 July 2025

Application Deadline: June 27, 2025

Deadline Type: Exact Date

Website: https://digventures.com/projects/boyne-valley/crowdfund

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Project Director:
Dr Brendon Wilkins MIAI MCIfA

Project Description:

Dig Ventures is investigating two newly discovered Neolithic monuments in the Boyne Valley, Ireland. So far, most archaeological investigations into the Boyne Valley’s prehistory have been tightly focused on the iconic monuments of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth. These monuments are located on the northern side of the River Boyne at the heart of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But now, archaeological attention is spreading south of the river and out across the wider valley, with a growing recognition that an even bigger story lies buried in the surrounding landscape.

In the last 10 years, large-scale geophysical research by UCD School of Archaeology and the Romano-Germanic Commission (RGK), Frankfurt, along with INSTAR-funded lidar, satellite, and palaeoenvironmental surveys of Brú na Bóinne, has a revealed a hidden landscape of henges, timber enclosures, ritual structures, palisades, and the remains of vast wooden monuments. Some of these monuments are so large that they are estimated to have required the felling of 14,000 trees to make them.

The scale of these discoveries is immense and very little is known about them.

In 2023, Dig Ventures teamed up with University College Dublin School of Archaeology to do archaeological research in the Boyne Valley and explore these recently discovered sites. Combining the strengths of community and academic archaeology, DigVentures has launched an archaeology field school, providing both university students and members of the public the unique opportunity to build skills while contributing to internationally significant research.

In 2025, DigVentures will return for a third season to continue their investigation of two recently discovered areas, including a possible Neolithic causewayed enclosure, and a ceremonial avenue aligned with Dowth Henge.

Period(s) of Occupation: Neolithic Ireland

Notes:
This excavation takes place over two weeks. Participants can join for Week 1, Week 2, or both weeks. Dig days will run from Tuesday to Sunday with Mondays off. One week (6 days): £950 Two Weeks (12 days): £1800 Food, travel, and accommodation are not included in field school costs. You can read more about accommodation options under the FAQ's. Some people may find this dig more challenging than others; the site is located on top of a steep hill, and the nature of the archaeology means digging can be more physically demanding. If you get in touch, we’ll always do our best to make suitable adjustments to ensure you can take part. For example, it is possible to drive up the hill, and there are a range of activities on site other than digging that are less strenuous.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 6 Days

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: At least two days experience on another dig, or a basic understanding of core archaeological fieldwork principles via coursework (university, college, online course).

Room and Board Arrangements:
Room and board are not included. Participants will need to find nearby accommodation and make their own way to the meeting point each morning. Car shares may be available with other participants.

Academic Credit:
NA