The aim of this programme is to provide theoretical knowledge and practical experience of archaeological excavation and post-excavation analysis skills, with 3 weeks on site in Sligo. For 2025 the course is based at the Green Fort, Sligo, and at our Archaeology Laboratory at Atlantic Technological University Sligo in the Northwest of Ireland.

The programme is made up of two modules. Online classes (2 hours per week) commence from late February 2025. By completing the theoretical aspects of the course online and in advance of the field school, students gain the maximum benefit from their time in the field. Students then attend practical sessions in Sligo in June 2025. By the end of the programme, students will have gained hands-on experience excavating on this fascinating medieval and post-medieval site and will understand what is involved in post-excavation analysis and how these fit into a larger research project. Students will also have a knowledge of Irish archaeology and history, with a particular focus on the landscapes of NW Ireland.

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This certificate course will be delivered by Dr Fiona Beglane and Dr Marion Dowd.

Programme Structure

This Special Purpose Award will comprise two modules, each worth 5 credits:

– Archaeological Excavation and Post-Excavation 1
– Archaeological Excavation and Post-Excavation 2

Note that modules ‘Archaeological Excavation and Post-Excavation 1’ and ‘Archaeological Excavation and Post-Excavation 2’ must be completed in the same semester, except where the student has already successfully completed the module ‘Archaeological Excavation and Post-Excavation 1’.

The Green Fort

The Green Fort is a bastioned or star-shaped military fort with spectacular and extensive views overlooking Sligo Town, Sligo Bay and the surrounding mountains in the north-west of Ireland. It was probably constructed in 1599 during the Nine Years War (1594-1603), on the site of an early medieval ringfort (circa 6th-10th century AD) known as Rith d Briotúcc, which is understood to mean Brittons Fort, or the fort of the two stuttering women, or the fort of the two British women. The Green Fort became a strategic defensive base during the Williamite Wars (1688-91). Initially held by the Williamite forces, it then became a Jacobite base, but was subsequently besieged and retaken by the Williamites.

Situated within the modern town of Sligo and, working with Sligo County Council, this archaeological excavation project aims to examine the role of the Green Fort in the history of the town and surrounding area and to communicate these findings to the public.

2025 will be the first year of excavation so the focus will be on understanding the dating and origin of the site as well as the nature of features identified by fieldwalking, geophysics and survey. Students will be working closely with members of the local community and with Irish-based students to begin to unpick the story of this fascinating place. They will gain experience of excavating, recording, and surveying sites, as well as post-excavation analysis. Fieldtrips will provide an insight into the archaeology of the wider area, and in the evenings, students will gain an insight into Irish culture, society, and hospitality.

Location and travel

The excavation and post-excavation analysis will take place in Sligo. The excavation is within easy walking distance of Sligo town and a range of accommodation choices. Post-excavation analysis will take place at ATU Sligo, again this is walking distance from Sligo town. Students are responsible for their own transfer at the start/end of the course. Bus Eireann Expressway buses run frequently and directly between Dublin City, Dublin Airport and Sligo town. Trains run frequently and directly between Dublin City and Sligo town. Advice will be provided to students at the online sessions.

Accommodation and food

Accommodation and food are not included but suitable facilities will be recommended at the online sessions. This allows students to suit their own budget and needs, and to share accommodation if they wish to do so. Those without their own transport will need to stay within walking distance of the excavation and ATU Sligo.

Fitness and safety

Note that the excavation requires a reasonable level of physical fitness. Students will need to be able to walk over rough ground for 500m or more without difficulty, excavation is a physical activity that requires a similar level of fitness to gardening. You should be aware that you may be outside in all weathers for extended periods.

Online classes (End-Feb to early May 2025)

Students will undertake online classes for two hours per week from the end of February until early May. These will introduce students to the history and archaeology of the Green Fort, archaeological techniques and recording. For those unable to attend the live classes, these will be recorded and students can watch these at a time to suit their own schedule.

The Excavation and post-excavation (2 – 20 June 2025)

A topographical survey of the ‘Green Fort’ was carried out by Sam Moore and students of IT Sligo now ATU Sligo) over a number of years. In 2021 Eoin Halpin of AHC Ltd used this baseline to record the present state of the monument as part of scrub clearance works undertaken by Sligo Co. Co. Following on from this, also in 2021, Sligo Co. Co. commissioned licensed geophysical (magnetometer and resistivity) surveys of the monument, which were conducted by Archaeological Consultancy Services Unit (ACSU). The topographic and geophysical surveys have informed the excavation methodology, providing a focus for planning trench locations.
The first two weeks of the course will concentrate on excavation, while the third week will concentrate on post-excavation analysis. In the event of sustained bad weather in the first fortnight, indoor work will be undertaken, with the aim of making up lost excavation time in the third week.

Excavation

In 2025 the excavation will focus on a single 30m long trench in the interior of the fort. This will provide an insight into the structures and features that have been identified by geophysics and survey, in particular a circular anomaly in the centre of the fort.
The overall aim of the project is to investigate the nature and origin of the archaeological remains at the Green Fort and to place them in their wider cultural and landscape context. Students will contribute to this overall excavation aim through their input to the survey, excavation and recording work on site. The Green Fort is visited regularly by tourists and locals, and students will also have the opportunity to develop skills in explaining heritage to members of the public.

Post-excavation Analysis

Post-excavation analysis will take place in the Archaeology Lab at ATU Sligo. Students will undertake essential tasks such as washing artefacts and ecofacts; processing soils for specialist analysis; preparing stratigraphic matrices and reports; illustrating and photographing artefacts. They will gain an awareness of the component parts of the post excavation process and the roles played by various specialists. They will contribute material for creation of the final excavation report and ultimately work towards bringing an excavation to full publication, and the preparation of the archive for final deposition in the National Museum of Ireland.