Blackfriary Community Heritage Archaeology Project

Location: Trim, Co. Meath, Ireland

Season: June 3, 2025 to August 22, 2025

Session Dates: Certificate in Archaeological Excavation and Recording: June 3rd to June 27th, 2025 Certificate in Archaeological Excavation and Recording with Osteology: July 1st to August 1st 2025 Advanced Internship Course: June 3rd to August 22nd 2025 (Minimum 6 weeks duration)

Application Deadline: April 30, 2025

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: http://bafs.ie/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Blackfriary Archaeology Field School

Project Director:
Finola O' Carroll

Project Description:

We are a dedicated teaching and research field school, committed to providing the best training in archaeological field methods within a public archaeology/community archaeology framework.

Excavations began in 2010 under the direction of Finola O’Carroll, Principal Investigator. In 2012 project Bioarchaeologist Dr. Rachel Scott began exploring the burial record at the site. We are excavating the remains of a Medieval Dominican Friary to analyse how the changing patterns of its patronage and use are interwoven with the known history of the town.

We provide training to early career archaeologists providing a unique experience to live and work in the medieval town of Trim while excavation at a monastic site. Full training in excavation and recording of archaeological features as well as post-excavation lab work including analysis of the burial collection from the site.

Courses are accredited by Dundalk Institute of Technology, Ireland.

Period(s) of Occupation: Medieval, Post-Medieval, Early Modern Ireland.

Notes:
Bioarchaeology, Architectural Heritage, Medieval Artefacts, Survey, Conservation.

Project Size: 25-49 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 4 Weeks

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: No experience required for both Certificate courses. 4 weeks field/lab experience required for advanced internship courses.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Homestay Accommodation within the town of Trim with a local family. Walking distance to the site and to all town amenities. All meals including a packed lunch for site each day provided. Cost: Included in course costs.

Academic Credit:
Certificate in Archaeological Excavation and Recording: 12.5 ECTS (6 Semester Credit Units) Certificate in Archaeological Excavation and Recording with Osteology: 15 ECTS (7-8 Semester Credit Units)