It Sligo Archaeological Summer School 1.53

The site of the current IT Sligo Applied Archaeology training excavation is at Moygara Castle, located in the south of County Sligo, overlooking Lough Gara. The subject of considerable historical research and architectural analysis, including geophysical survey, over the last decade, small scale archaeological excavation has been underway since 2013.

Costs
The cost of the 4 week programme is €2,490 and includes shared, self-catering accommodation in IT Sligo student residences.

Credits
Each course is worth 6 ECTS credits (equivalent to 3 semester hours) awarded by IT Sligo.

12 ECTS credits (6 semester hours), upon successful completion of the 2 courses.

Learn more about studying archaeology at IT Sligo or drop an email to info@itsligo.ie

Moygara Castle
The castle is a multi period construction, comprising 4 walls, 4 corner towers, the remains of a gatehouse, all from the 16/17th century and an earlier towerhouse (14th/15th century). Geophysical survey has revealed a number of anomalies both inside and outside the castle walls, including a pre castle, oval ditched enclosure, possibly contemporary with the towerhouse.

The castle is linked with the O’Gara clan, rulers of the area during much of the medieval period, although their is debate as to whether the main parts of the castle, walls, towers and gatehouse were built by the O’Garas or their English enemies in the 16th/17th centuries. The castle was besieged and partially destroyed by Cromwell in the mid 17th century.

The excavation over the last 3 field seasons have revealed parts of the earlier oval ditched enclosure (awaiting C14 date) and a possible iron smelting furnace outside the castle walls in addition to a number of features inside, including the walls, cobbling and fireplace of a large hall constructed against the west internal wall. It is planned to fully expose this hall in the 2016 field season.

The Course
Module 1 – Archaeology of Ireland
The Archaeology of Ireland is a 6 credit course that explores the 10,000 years of human occupation of the island of Ireland.

The course commences with the Mesolithic, an exploration of the longest period in Irish archaeology (8000-4000 BC), when small bands of nomadic hunter-gatherer-fisher groups occupied this heavily forested island with its restricted fauna. Settlements and activities were concentrated along waterways; funerary activities include cremation and the deposition of human bones at special places. We will track the dramatic societal changes occurring from 4,000 BC with the introduction of farming, bringing with it the first monuments, pottery, domesticated animals and cereals and, perhaps more importantly, new ideologies.

Particular attention will be devoted to the complex religious beliefs and practices that led to the construction of monuments such as Newgrange. The ability to smelt copper and create metal objects heralded a major change in the political and economic fabric from 2,400 BC. Social stratification is exemplified by the emergence of hillforts and European trade networks linked to gold and bronze. Economic collapse about 600 BC led to Ireland’s ‘dark age’ – the Iron Age. We will discuss the relationship between Ireland and Celtic communities in Europe, and examine the emergence of royal sites such as Tara – places with rich mythological associations.

The arrival of Christianity in the 5th century AD left a rich legacy of settlements, monastic remains, manuscripts, literature and ornate artefacts. Viking activities towards the end of this early medieval period are explored. The Anglo-Norman invasion of 1169 heralded a new period in Irish history, and this module covers political developments alongside changing castle architecture, new religious foundations, and the establishment of towns.

Module 2 – Training Excavation
This two week module will comprise two weeks at Moygara Castle in South County Sligo. Students will spend a total of 80 hours on site over the period, and will be directly involved in the excavation and recoding of the castle. Students will gain experience in excavation techniques, drawing, photography, recording, artefact processing, the taking of environmental samples and surveying. This is an all-weather excavation site so it is important to wear suitable clothing and be properly equipped. A list of required items will be sent on to students. Students will be assessed based upon submission of a field notebook (20%) and based upon their performance on site carrying out required tasks.

Learning Outcomes
Apply basic archaeological fieldwork techniques.
Demonstrate awareness of key recording techniques and attempt their application.
Differentiate soil horizons and stratigraphic contexts.
Comply with best practice in site excavation techniques and the treatment of recovered artefacts.
Demonstrate ability to take instruction and work in groups.
Demonstrate understanding and compliance with site based health and safety regulations.

Learn more about studying archaeology at IT Sligo or drop an email to info@itsligo.ie