Every year we experience our students asking lots of questions. Here we have answered the most common ones but if your question is not answered on this page, please contact the field school directly!
Who can apply?
Courses are open to everyone, from those with no previous experience to those who wish to register for academic credit. Students must be 18 years or over, to participate. Our courses are suited to academic students or anyone with an interest in archaeology.
What is the cost to attend the field school?
You can find the tuition fees for our 2, 4 & 6 week courses here
How do I register for academic credit?
Registering for credit is so easy! Just go to our ‘Downloads’ page, download the application form, fill it in and return it it the Field School with a copy of your passport or drivers license.
Do I need previous knowledge of archaeology or Irish history?
Not at all! Previous experience is not necessary. Some of our students attend to begin or extend their knowledge of the archaeological field or to broaden their anthropological studies, others attend simply because they have always wanted to participate in an archaeological dig. Whatever your reason for attending we can guarantee you an archaeological and cultural experience that is second to none.
Are there any other requirements?
On occasion students will asked to provide a name and a point of contact for a nominated reference
When is the application deadline?
The deadline for final applications is April 30th 2023. Late applications may be considered in exceptional circumstances
How do you apply for the field school?
Students can apply online by clicking here and choosing their preferred course. Applicants must read the Terms & Conditions before filling in the application form. Not sure what course to choose? Take a look at our course info or email us with your query.
Do I need to make a deposit to secure a place at the school?
Yes, we do require that students submit a booking deposit to secure their place.
How long is spent on site each day?
Each working day is from 9am to 5pm The working week is Monday-Friday and each working day is from 9am to 5pm. Your weekends are free, unless a field trip is scheduled on the Saturday
During your days on site you will have a morning tea break and a lunch break in the afternoon. Breaks and lunch are covered by your fees and are provided by the Cafe in the visitors centre at Caherconnell. You will enjoy dinner on your return to your accommodation.
Is there financial aid/scholarships/volunteer positions available?
Unfortunately we are not in a position to offer funding to students but you may be eligible for funding from your own college or university.
What is included in the course fees?
Fees cover all of the following –
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Insurance
- Equipment – each student receives their own 4″ Archaeology Trowel
- Transport to and from the site daily
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner from Monday to Saturday
- Tea break
Do I need a passport and visa to enter Ireland?
Yes – if you are travelling from outside the EU.
A visa is not required for citizens of Australia, Canada and the United States when entering Ireland for a period of under 90 days. Please ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your trip (and at least 6 months from your travel dates), and check your airline’s policy. For citizens of countries outside the EU and those mentioned above, please refer the Visa & Passport page on the Discover Ireland website for visa requirements.
What else can I do in Ireland?
There is so much to do in Ireland and there’s nothing we love more than showing it all to our visitors! If you have not visited our beautiful country before, you will find all the information you could possibly need about travel, visas and things to do on the Discover Ireland website.
A lot of our students allow for some extra time in the country before or after their course allowing them to experience everything that that Ireland has to offer!
When booking my flights when should I arrive in Ireland and when should I depart?
Your first day of field school will be a Monday – most students arrive the day before (Sunday), this allows you to meet your classmates and to settle in to the hotel. Accommodation and evening meal for the Sunday before your course begins are included in your fees.
Your field school will end on a Friday evening. You should complete this day and stay in the accommodation on the Friday night, again your accommodation and evening meal are covered by your fees. You can then book your return flight anytime from the Saturday after your course concludes. If you are travelling home from Shannon or Dublin Airport to, or through, the USA on your route home, please make sure to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight departs to allow time to go through security and US Pre-Clearance (immigration) at the Airport.
How do I get to the accommodation?
Where possible you should try and fly into Shannon Airport as it is only a 50 minute drive to Caherconnell (Dublin is 2.5 hours away). The most straight forward way for students to get to Caherconnell is to share taxis – but bus services are available. We do find that a lot of international flights tend to arrive at Shannon at similar times. For this purpose we have a Facebook page so that students can compare their arrival times and arrange to share taxis – this is very cost effective and has worked extremely well in previous years – some students even find themselves on the same flight!
What do I need to bring with me/pack?
In Ireland it does tend to rain a lot! So you should pack a good waterproof jacket and waterproof pants, and sturdy waterproof closed-toe boots, hiking boots are fine. You should also include clothes suitable for layering up on colder days as well as light weight clothing for sunnier days. You guessed it – the weather in Ireland is extremely unpredictable! Also, don’t forget your regular clothes for your days off.
- Waterproofs: boots must be worn on site (no sandals or sneakers), a waterproof jacket and over-trousers are the key to a comfortable day outdoors if it rains, which it does occasionally in Ireland…
- Work gloves: required for heavier tasks. Two pairs means you have a spare to wear if you want to wash the other ones!
- Change of shoes: bring a pair of sandals, flip-flops or trainers to wear to and from site and inside the School
facilities. You will have a locker on site where you can leave work boots etc. overnight. - Medications: if you take medications for any reason, or have any allergies, please remember to bring your
medications with you! - Don’t forget your hat and sunscreen (we recommend SPF 30) for when the sun is out!
Do I need to bring my own trowel?
No – we supply trowels to each student.
How much money should I bring?
Your accommodation and meals are covered – so whatever you think you will need! You will need money for getting to and from the airport and a small amount of daily spending money, plus extra if you are planning to travel around Ireland at the weekends.