Environmental & Cultural Heritage of Irish Landscapes, Birr – Institute for Field Research

Location: Parsonstown Model National School, Model School Rd, Townparks, Birr, Co. Offaly, Ireland

Season: July 12, 2020 to August 8, 2020

Application Deadline: April 3, 2020

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://ifrglobal.org/program/ireland-birr/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Institute for Field Research, Connecticut College, University College Dublin/Irish Heritage School, Irish Archaeology Field School

Project Director:
Dr. Stephen Mandal, Prof. John Feehan

Project Description:

Throughout human history, people have been interacting with the natural landscape, seeking food, water, shelter, and resources with which to build a better life. Understanding the landscape, how it formed, and how it has been altered by humans is an integral part of the study of archaeology. This unique, teaching-focused program has been designed to give students an in-depth understanding of the natural landscape, from the underlying bedrock to the glacial land forms, from the overlying soils to the flora and fauna they support. With this knowledge, students will be equipped to study the interaction of humans with the landscape through the millennia. The program combines field studies with laboratory work to piece together three different landscapes in three distinct locations: Birr in the midlands, the Burren in County Clare on the West coast, and Clare Island in the Atlantic Ocean. Staying with local families in homestay accommodations, this program also offers deeply enriching cultural immersion, guaranteeing students a truly memorable experience.

Period(s) of Occupation: Various

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Participants are required to stay for the full duration of the field school.

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: No prior experience is required to participate in this program.

Room and Board Arrangements:
With the exception of the extended field trips in the Burren and on Clare Island, the students will be housed in Home Stay accommodation in the town of Birr, Co. Offaly (see schedule in syllabus). Home Stay students live with local families, and experience true home life in provincial Ireland. Students are to keep the accommodation clean and tidy at all times and to be respectful towards their Home Stay family and roommates. Students will walk (or be dropped to and collected from) a designated meeting point (normally Birr Square or Birr Community School). Breakfast and dinner will be provided along with a packed lunch. At weekends students are encouraged to avail of their free time and explore Ireland. Food will be provided during extended field trips. In the Burren and on Clare Island accommodation will be in (single sex) shared dormitory style rooms in local hostels, with meals provided in a communal setting

Academic Credit:
8 Semester Credits credits offered by Connecticut College. Tuition is $4,825.