Location: 62JR+QV Maree, County Galway, Ireland
Season: June 29, 2025 to July 5, 2025
Application Deadline: April 2, 2025
Deadline Type: Rolling
Website: https://www.ancientodysseys.com/archaeologydigireland
Discount for AIA members: USD $4,129-$5,379
Program Type:
Field School, Volunteer
RPA Certified:
No
Project Director:
Michelle Comber
Project Description:
The Maree Project is your chance to join the excavation of a high-status (maybe even royal!) settlement, just south of Galway on the Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland. Named ‘Rathgurreen’, the site is a type of ‘ringfort’ and is of interest to archaeologists as it is more than twice the size of the typical ringfort in Ireland.
The site is located on the Maree peninsula, the subject of a major new research project. The area around Rathgurreen is rich in archaeological remains dating as far back as the Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age, 8000 – 4000 BC). This area of Ireland has had a high concentration of human activity over a long period of time, and the project aims to explore land use through all of these periods. Rathgurreen is the first excavation target of many sites on the peninsula.
Rathgurreen was partially excavated in the 1940s and, at that time, archaeologists unearthed some tantalizing artifacts including a Roman oil lamp and French pottery. This suggests that high-status residents lived at this location.
At the moment, the earliest known activity at Rathgurreen ringfort dates to 374-601AD, with seemingly continuous use up until about 1100 AD. The settlement began life as a large-diameter univallate enclosure (surrounded by a single earthen bank and ditch). It was then transformed by creating an additional large bank and ditch inside the earlier versions – a very unusual feature. The modern excavations will test the results of the 1940s, and add to our understanding of the monument and its people.
Period(s) of Occupation: Possible Iron Age to Middle Ages
Notes:
The excavation takes place over the course of 5 days. It includes all accommodations, all travel to and from the dig site and most meals.
The Maree Project immerses all participants in the excavation, collection, and study of the artifacts and features awaiting discovery.
Work in 2025 will entail excavation of an area in the interior of the ringfort and the exploration of some of its earthworks. You will be hands-on for the entire five days of this excavation, learning the methods of archaeological excavation and archaeological recording.
Each day begins with a hearty Irish breakfast at your hotel. You'll grab a specially packed lunch, drinks and snacks for later and then at 8:15am, your driver will transport you and your group for the 30-minute drive to archaeological dig site at Rathgurreeen on the Maree Peninsula.
Each day consists of:
Working with site directors, Dr. Michelle Comber and Dr. Noel McCarthy and other professional archaeologists. You'll also be working alongside international university students and local community participants.
Archaeological fieldwork begins at 9am and ends at 5pm each day.
You’ll break for mid-morning and lunch (It’s time to find your hearty packed lunch and enjoy a well-deserved break to your day.)
At about 5pm each day, your driver will be waiting for you to escort you back to the Hyde Hotel in Galway.
Evenings are free to relax and enjoy on your own.
The itinerary includes a welcome for participants. In addition, included is a 2.5-hour craft beer tour in Galway. Guided by a local beer enthusiast who will provide a historical tour of the city and the beer scene, we'll stroll around visiting Galway’s most traditional pubs where we'll toast friends.
On the last night, a farewell event includes a food tour in Galway. We'll taste delicious treats from family-run businesses and artisanal producers, hear their stories and bond over a glass of craft beer. The night continues with an evening listening to traditional Irish music.
Project Size: 1-24 participants
Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 6 days
Minimum Age: 18
Experience Required: No experience needed.
Room and Board Arrangements:
All accommodations are included in the cost. All breakfasts and packed lunch are included. Some dinners are included.
Academic Credit:
n/a
