Step into the past and join The Maree Project for an exciting chance to dig at Rathgurreen, a significant high-status ringfort site south of Galway.
Rathgurreen, one of Ireland’s largest ringforts, dates back from 374-1100 AD and offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Irish history. Discover artifacts from a settlement that may have been royal, and explore the layers of history preserved at this significant location.
Your involvement will contribute to important research efforts including artifact conservation, radiocarbon dating, and the study of historical land use and sustainability practices.
Limited to ten individuals, this is your opportunity to be part of a major archaeological project that connects the past with the present, and delves into Ireland’s rich historical and mythological heritage!
Your journey begins in the historic city of Galway, or the “City of Tribes”, where the cobbled medieval streets are home to all sorts of pubs, craft shops and cafés.
Here, you will check in to the Hyde Hotel. This 3-star hotel, with its stylish décor and warm Irish hospitality, will be your home for the duration of your adventure. The hotel is in the heart of Galway City and is only about a minute from Eyre Square. It’s close to some of Galway’s best bars and restaurants, as well as Shop Street – the retail hub of Galway.
In the evening, you’ll meet your fellow dig companions for a Welcome Dinner before returning to the Hyde Hotel to prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Enjoy a delicious Irish breakfast at the hotel before your first day of excavation commences.
You’ll grab a packed lunch, drinks, and snacks for the day ahead, before your driver takes you and your group on a 30-minute journey to the Rathgurreen ringfort. Situated on the Maree Peninsula, this is where the archaeological adventure begins. This ringfort has not been excavated in over 70 years, so participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the dig process, discovering and studying artifacts using the latest methods and technology.
On the dig, you’ll work alongside site directors, Dr. Michelle Comber and Dr. Noel McCarthy, as well as a team of professional archaeologists, international students and local community members.
Around 5 p.m., your driver will take you back to the hotel, where you are free to spend a relaxing evening at the hotel, or explore Galway at your leisure.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before diving into another day at the forefront of archaeological exploration at the ringfort. A packed lunch, snacks, and transportation will again be provided.
After returning to the hotel and having dinner, the group will meet up for a 2.5-hour craft beer tour, guided by a local expert. This tour will give the group an opportunity to discover Galway’s vibrant culture, historic pubs and beer scene, while toasting with a traditional “sláinte” to new friends!
After another hearty breakfast at the hotel, you’ll embark on your third day of excavation at the Rathgurreen ringfort, delving into archaeological techniques and recording methods. A packed lunch, snacks, and transport are all provided.
Once back at the hotel, the evening is free to fill as you please. You can unwind over dinner and explore Galway’s historic streets, experience the warm atmosphere of local pubs, or take some well-deserved rest after a busy day at the dig site.
Once finished with another satisfying breakfast at the hotel, you’ll head out for a fourth hands-on day at the Rathgurreen ringfort, further immersing yourself in the excavation, collection, and study of the artifacts and features awaiting discovery. Packed lunch, snacks, and transportation are fully provided.
Once a fulfilling day on the dig site is complete, relax and explore Galway’s historic charm. Feast on a tasty meal at a local restaurant, take a scenic walk, or check out a live music session.
Embrace your final day of exploration as you continue to unearth and analyze ancient artifacts, making valuable contributions to ongoing research. A packed lunch, snacks, and transportation for the day’s activities are provided.
As evening falls, the group will gather for a unique private food tour of Galway. Spend 3 hours exploring the city’s rich culinary landscape, sampling delicious foods from local businesses and producers, all whilst treating yourself to a craft beer, as you hear their stories and enjoy their creations.
To conclude the night, the group will delve into Galway’s famous cultural scene, with an evening of traditional Irish music at a local pub. Let the traditional tunes create a festive atmosphere for a night of good conversation and celebration as you reflect on the unforgettable experience.
This morning, you’ll have one last breakfast at the hotel before bidding farewell to your time in Galway.
You will then make your way to Dublin or Shannon airport for your flight home. We can assist with arranging transportation to the airport for an additional fee if needed.
(For all Trans-Atlantic flights, we recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours before departure to ensure a smooth check-in process.)
Flights are not included, but we are happy to provide you with a flight quote for your trip to Ireland along with travel protection for the duration.
We are also happy to work with you on a custom itinerary before or after the Dig if you would prefer to do your own thing.
Price for 5-7 pax 8+ pax
Double/Twin $4,389 $4,129
Single $5,379 $5,199
To secure your place, book and submit non-refundable deposit of $700.
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.
Maree features in Irish mythology and early history. Variations of the name – Mearuidhe/ Meadhraighe/Medrigia – are mentioned in early Irish texts in both fictional and factual sources. In recorded history, Maree is in the ancient territory of a people called Uí Fiachrach Aidhne. They held the provincial kingship of Connacht from 515 AD to 694 AD and ruled the Maree area for centuries. Recorded history shows they had some interactions with the Vikings – and not of a friendly nature!
Your participation in the excavation will contribute to knowledge of the specific site, but will also play an important role in the larger Maree research project, aiding exploration of native settlement, economics, society, and politics through time. This excavation has also been designed to examine land-use and sustainability, making the work very relevant to the modern population of the region. Your archaeological and financial contributions will facilitate a strong start at Rathgurreen, while also bringing an important international perspective to the project. The cost of the dig includes funds to support the archaeological fieldwork and research at Maree Project, including a contribution to artifact conservation, radiocarbon dating.
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