Irish Archaeology on the Internet

Introduction to Irish archaeology by Michael Sundermeier, of Creighton University, Oregon, U.S.A., as background information to a course on Irish literature. It is illustrated with photographs taken by the author, and there are similar introductions to Irish geology and geography.

Current research

IRQUAS: Irish archaeology, history, geography and much more. This site provides introductions to various subjects, links to related discussion groups, and databases of research projects (for example, a database of all excavated Irish ringforts). There is also an introduction to an exciting digital cartography project called HIPNO. Further information on the archaeological discussion groups below.
At the cutting edge of archaeological research, the aptly-named Discovery Programme is the place to look for the newest ideas and discoveries in Irish archaeology. Their website was very good, but has been replaced by a simple note with contact details pending renovation.
Royal Irish Academy: The premier Irish learned society, founded in 1785 to promote the study of Science, Polite Literature and Antiquities. In addition to producing a range of publications which include a number of books on archaeological topics, the Academy has a library (open to non-members) with holdings ranging from the most up-to-date books and journals to some of the most important early Irish manuscripts. The website also gives details of the Academy's research grants, a full list of current members, information on committees and collaborative projects, and an account of the Proceedings, Section C of which is devoted to archaeology and history.
The Burren and the Aran Islands: New book by Dr Carleton Jones based on the work of Burren Archaeology Research. This page gives a brief description of the archaeology of both the areas dealt with in the book. Mysterious Turkish and Japanese advertising links at the bottom of the page.
Celtic Inscribed Stones Project (CISP): a study by University College London of all early mediaeval inscribed stones in the British Isles and Brittany. Includes a searchable on-line database of every non-Runic inscription on a stone monument within Celtic-speaking areas in the early middle ages.
Friends of Medieval Dublin. Founded in 1976 to protect the Wood Quay site in Dublin, the Friends have matured into a research organisation which holds an annual symposium on mediaeval Dublin and publishes the proceedings in book form. The website includes bibliographies of relevant books and articles, and a list of excavations which have taken place in Dublin.
The Group for the Study of Irish Historic Settlement. The Group is made up of people interested in the evolution of Irish settlement, whether from the perspective of historical geographer, archaeologist or historian. All who are interested in any aspect of Irish settlement history are welcome to join, and encouraged to participate actively. The group holds thematic confrernces and an annual field conference, and publishes books and pamphlets. Their current newsletter can be downloaded from the website.
Irish Association of Quaternary Studies (IQUA): an association providing an interdisciplinary forum for specialists working on various aspects of the Quaternary period (the most recent geological period, essentially the Ice Age and after). Quaternary studies cover subjects ranging from archaeology to zoology.
The Irish Post-Medieval Archaeology Group. It is only in recent years that people have become aware of the contribution which archaeology can make to the study of the post-mediaeval period. IPMAG was founded in 1999 to 'raise the profile of' the study of the post-1550 period and foster greater contacts between individuals researching that period. The website introduces the Group and provides news of activities and events.
Eneclann: research and consultancy for Irish History A professional research service, based in Trinity College, covering all periods of Irish history.
Breaking News: two up-to-the-minute news sources in which Irish items regularly pop up: the CBA British & Irish Archaeology Newsfeed - this is compiled by computer from keywords found in on-line news sources, and anything could turn up. Archaeoblog is a 'smarter' equivalent edited by a human being, namely Dr. Mike Heyworth, and is also available by e-mail.

Guides to specific regions and individual sites

This section has become so big that it has been given a page of its own.

Monuments

A Brief Guide to Irish Archaeological Sites: an illustrated summary of the various types of archaeological monument found in Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Record, holding information on approximately 14,000 sites, can now be searched on line, either here, or via the Archaeological Data Service in York. Details include site name, periods of use, townlands, grid references and a brief description of each site.
The National Monuments Service of the Republic of Ireland has a very informative and useful website. In addition to introductory notes about archaeology and National monuments legislation, there is information on more specialised subects such as the archaeological survey of Ireland and underwater and marine archaeology. It is possible to apply for an excavation licence online or even to submit an excavation report. There is a searchable database of previous excavations. The most impressive facility, however, is the online monuments database. The Sites and Monuments Record can be searched online, and the location of the sites are shown on the Six-Inch OS map, superimposed on a modern aerial photograph in colour. Apart from the monuments themselves, being able to relate the Six-Inch map, frequently 70 to 100 years old, to the modern landscape, is extremely useful. Furthermore, when you choose a county on the search form, you are presented with a drop-down list with all the townlands in that county - it's wonderful to have that available digitally - and there's no need to worry about the spelling of the more obscure names. The page on National Monuments isn't ready yet, but for a guide to sites of interest to visit, Heritage Ireland is worth a visit.
Buildings Of Ireland: the website of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) of Ireland, a section within the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The work of the NIAH involves identifying and recording the architectural heritage of Ireland, from 1700 to the present day. This site is the on-line representation of the survey work of the NIAH. Surveys are presented by county, and consist of a searchable database record and images of each building/structure surveyed. At present there are 5 counties completed and several thousands of images available, these surveys are ongoing and this site will be updated with new survey material regularly.
Castle Hotels and Manor Houses Details of 12 castles and manor houses in different parts of Ireland which have been converted into hotels.
Dublin's Castles: a guide to the many castles and mottes in County Dublin, complete with distribution map.
Details of three stone circles worth visiting: Drombeg, County Cork, Lough Gur, County Limerick and Breaghmore (recte Beaghmore), County Tyrone.
Irish High Crosses: Jim Dempsey's guide to these distinctive early mediæval monuments. Photographs and descriptions of 13 sites.
Images of Irish High Crosses: Introduction to High Crosses, with descriptions and photographs of the crosses at Monasterboice, Kells and Kilfenora. Part of Mary Ann Sullivan's Digital Imaging Project, making images of art-historical interest worldwide available on the Web.
Megalithic Ireland: Photographs and descriptions of 18 megalithic tombs in Ireland. Another part of Jim Dempsey's site (see Irish High Crosses above).
Irish section of Megalithia. Includes a searchable database of over 1200 sites in the British Isles - mainly stone circles, stone rows and standing stones. It includes grid references for these, along with tips for GPS users.
The Stone Pages: Photographs and descriptions of a selection of megalithic tombs, standing stones, stone circles and stone forts by Paola Arosio & Diego Meozzi, who have visited each of the sites personally. With clickable map, and en evaluation chart rating each site's general impression, access and ambience on a scale of 1 to 5.
Megaliths of Ireland: a field guide: the webmaster of this site is Anthony Weir, author of the long-out-of-print Early Ireland: A Field Guide. It consists of a gazetteer of prehistoric monuments in Ireland, and essays on Sweathouses, Phallic pillars, Holed Stones, Cross-pillars, Cross-slabs, Exhibitionists, bullauns, etc. It is copiously illustrated with photographs. The site is also available on a CD, which can be ordered on-line (click here for review). It is part of the Stone Circle Webring.
The Megalith Map - in association with Aubrey Burl. A resource for finding any stone circle or row in the British Isles. Sites can be found by using either a clickable map or an alphabetical list. Received, deservedly, a 5-star award for Web Site Excellence. Mirrored at this site.
'Lunar maps' at Knowth. Interesting theory that a motif found in the passage tomb at Knowth, and also at Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow, is a map of the moon as seen with the naked eye. Perhaps 'drawing' might be a better word, as it's unlikely that Neolithic man thought of the moon as a landmass which could be mapped. I found it unconvincing, but it's a lot more plausible than some interpretations of Neolithic art.
Mythical Ireland. Dedicated to megalithic tombs, standing stones and stone circles aligned on the sunrise at the solstices and equinoxes. Details of various sites, clickable maps, aerial photographs, and a section on early Irish mythology. There is also an art section with free wallpaper.
Pictures of some Irish Stone Circles from the collection of Dr. Clive Ruggles, of Leicester University, who specialises in archaeoastronomy and computer applications in archaeology. Sites are in counties Cork, Kerry, Meath and Tyrone.
Every Ogham thing on the Web: Ogham, the most ancient form of writing in Ireland, is generally found carved on grave-markers which are known as ogham stones. This site collects links to a wide range of relevant sites, from serious academic studies and discussions of digital encoding of the ogham script (and sites with ogham fonts) to 'neo-Paganism' and places where you can buy 'ogham staves' or ogham jewellery.
Ancient sites in the Irish landscape: a selection of ten sites with photographs and descriptions. They are of various periods but all built in stone. The author sells a 'Celtic Wheel of the Year Sun/Moon Calendar' decorated with motifs from megalithic tombs.
Irish Stone Walls and Stone Buildings by Patrick McAfee. Based on the book of the same name, this site describes traditional Irish stone walls and the use of traditional materials in restoring old buildings and walls. Also information about courses on stone-working and working with lime, and about the author's consultancy.
A guide to researching historic buildings in the British Isles: A very useful introduction to researching the history of buildings. It introduces archival research, and suggests bibliographical resources for various kinds of structure, and guides to recording and interpreting the fabric.
Sheila na Gig sings the Stations of the Cross: a bizarre combination of obscene carvings and Christian prayers. The photographs show genuine carvings of archaeological interest, but the prayers are part of the modern trendy pseudo-religion and would strike a real Christian as blasphemous.

Artifacts

Prehistoric Music Ireland: Site devoted to prehistoric musical instruments in Ireland, especially Bronze Age horns, and the playing of music on modern replicas. CDs are available, and there is a book on the subject.
The sword of the Iron Age Gael Despite the name, a well-researched essay on Bronze Age and Iron Age swords.
Sylloge of coins in the British Isles Not the actual series but information about it, which volumes have been published, etc. Further details are given at this site.
Irish Coinage Site devoted to Irish coins and banknotes. Easy to navigate with short summaries of different historical phases with clickable links to more detailed descriptions and high-resolution photographs. Also includes a catalogue of coin prices and a short bibliography.
Irish Hammered Coinage. A UK-based mail order coin firm. Some mediaeval examples. Quite expensive.
Irish section of The Elusive Spondulix: Bigoted Anglophobic introduction to the history of Irish coins, and price lists of coins for sale.

Industrial archaeology

Industrial Heritage Association of Ireland (IHAI) Founded in recent years to research, preserve and draw attention to the fascinating, but rapidly vanishing, remains of the industrial technologies of the past. Details of forthcoming events, current and archived newsletters, and how to join. There is also a list of industrial heritage sites in Ireland open to the public
Ross Island Mine Heritage and Tourism Site The mining of copper and other metals in Killarney, County Kerry, from the beginnings of the Bronze Age to the 18th century AD. Described and illustrated by Dr. William O'Brien of University College Galway, who excavated the prehistoric workings for some years. The site includes details of both the prehistoric and historic mines, and a PowerPoint presentation which can be downloaded. There is also tourist information for visitors.
Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland. Information on the Trust, including a list of publications and information on how to become a member. The site also includes an inventory of Irish historic mines, and an appeal to raise funds for the conservation of a unique building at Allihies, Co Cork.
Buildings Of Ireland: the website of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) of Ireland, a section within the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. It is possible to browse through or search the two databases of buildings and gardens,and there are details of NIAH publications.
Northern Ireland Aviation Archaeology Using archaeological techniques such as ground-penetrating radar, field-walking and excavation to investigate Second World War air crashes in Ulster.

Excavations and other projects; consultancies

Excavations Database: One of the most useful on-line resources in Irish archaeology. Searchable database with summary reports of all excavations which took place in Ireland from 1985 to 2004, as listed in the annual Excavations Bulletin.
Aegis Archaeology Limited: Details of the company's services, and illustrated reports of excavations. There is also a sequence of time-lapse photographs of the excavation of a skeleton.
CRDS Ltd. (Cultural Resource Development Services Limited): Dublin-based consultancy with a wide range of specialist services in addition to the usual survey and excavation. In addition to summaries of projects carried out, and contact details, there is a page on the awards won by the company, and an on-line job application form.
Eachtra Archaeological Projects is an archaeological services partnership with offices in Kerry, Cork and Waterford but operating throughout Ireland. The site gives details of the services provided and the staff, along with a list of recent projects. There is also a news column, dealing with archaeology and related topics worldwide.
De Faoite Archaeology: Archaeological consultancy based in Tinahely, Co Wicklow, but operating througout Ireland. A very attractive website. Very compact, but to the point, with information on services offered and contact details.
J P Nunan - Blackwater Archaeology: Archaeological consultancy based in Charleville, Co Cork. The website gives details of the services offered, and profiles of the staff. There are explanations of field techniques such as monitoring and testing, and short notes on the some of the copmany's excavations and built heritage projects, with links to download .pdf files with more information.
Judith Carroll & Company Ltd. Archaeological consultancy, based in Dublin. Carries out excavation, site assessments, monitoring, environmental impact assessments, surveying and post-excavation services. A small, concise website with a company profile and details of vacancies. Also, for those of a "politically correct" persuasion, the company's "Health and Safety Statement" can be downloaded!
Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd. A very basic page with contct details.
Margaret Gowen & Company, archaeological consultants and project managers. A comprehensive website with company profile and details of services. Also excavation reports and details of publications. Another company which wears its "Political Correctness" on its sleeve, with a whole page devoted to "Health and Safety"!
Moore Archaeological and Environmental Services Ltd. (MOORE) Archaeological consultancy providing nationwide archaeological and environmental service, including EIS's, flora and fauna surveys, site assessments, excavation etc. Moore Marine, thir underwater division, isalso described. The website provides a company profile, and describes the services offered. There are also some reports on excavations and other projects.
Northern Archaeological Consultancy Limited: A Belfast-based consultancy. The website gives descriptions of their services, profiles of the staff, and short notes on some past projects.
Tobar Archaeology, a Cork-based archaeological consultancy. A well-designed and concise website with a company profile, outline of services, and contact details. In addition to the usual services such as excavation, monitoring and surveys, Tobar Archaeology also offers specialist analysis of mediaeval and post-mediaeval bone and antler artifacts, and mediaeval stone artifacts.
TVAS (Ireland) Ltd: A medium-sized archaeological consultancy based in Co Clare. The website explains their services and gives contact details. There are short descriptions of some of their projects on better-known sites such as Poulnabrone and the Clifs of Moher. Copies of newspaper articles about the company, and posters displayed at conferences, are available in .pdf format.
NUA - Network for Underwater Archaeology: a network of institutions actively involved in research on underwater archaeology in Ireland. The website seems to be in need of revision, as few of the internal links still work.
Viking WaterfordA forum for the 9th-century Woodstown site in County Waterford, to encourage full excavation of the site. Includes the text of some newspaper and magazine articles, and notices of forthcoming events such as lecures and exhibitions.

Universities

Queen's University, Belfast Website of the School of Archaeology and Palaeoecology. Recently given a nice new look. In addition to information on undergraduate and postgraduate courses, there is a guide to the staff and notes on their current research projects, along with a list of current PhD topics. There are also details on specialist services such as radiocarbon dating, dendrochronology and the delightfully-named melissopalynology, the study of pollen content in honey: apparently of great benefit to beekeepers and the honey trade. A new section called 'local interest' has a clickable map leading to illustrated notes on a number of sites in Northern Ireland.
University College, Cork Information about the Department of Archaeology and the various courses available. The short biblographies attached to the course descriptions would be of interest to anyone approaching (Irish) archaeology for the first time, even if they're not planning to take a course.
The University College Dublin archaeology department site gives the usual details of courses offered, along with a particularly detailed guide to the staff, with their publications and research. There are descriptions of the history of both the Department itself and the Archaeological Society (which, it says, 'is ran by the students themselves').
University College, Galway The Department of Archaeology's very practical and informative site with details of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, biographical notes and photos of the staff, and details of publications and current research. Includes a link to the Palaeoenvironmental Research Unit.
Trinity College, Dublin: Prof. Terry Barry is Head of the Department of Medieval History. He specialises in mediaeval archaeology, and is the author of The Archaeology of Medieval Ireland (1987).
Centre for Maritime Archaeology (CMA) : Formed in February 1999 and is jointly funded by the University of Ulster and the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland. The centre is housed in the Centre for Coastal and Marine Research, an interdisciplinary research centre, covering aspects of coastal and marine research including Quaternary environmental change, coastal processes, coastal management, marine habitat mapping and maritime archaeology.
An MSc in Maritime Archaeology as a distance-learning degree is offered as a joint course by the University of Ulster and Flinders University in Australia. The MSc is the only post-graduate qualification in Maritime Archaeology offered by a university on the island of Ireland. Details on course content and application procedures are available from: campusone.ulster.ac.uk or contact Colin Breen (M.Sc. Course Coordinator) cp.breen@ulster.ac.uk or Tel (+44) 028-70-323093.

Government institutions

The Heritage Council was established in 1995 to propose policies and priorities for the identification, protection, preservation and enhancement of the national heritage. It is advised by four committees covering architecture, archaeology, wildlife, and inland waterways. The archaeology committee supports a number of archaeological research projects and has an input into planning decisions which affect archaeology. The site has a number of discussion forums on which the public can post messages. Titles include Irish Heritage Forum, Heritage News and Genealogy.
Heritage Ireland , the web-site of the Heritage Service of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, is a guide to archaeological and historic monuments administered by the heritage service, along with other amenities such as parks and waterways. Individual sites can be chosen from a detailed clickable map, or or you can pick a region which interests you. A Heritage Card, giving unlimited admission to more than 60 sites, can be ordered on-line.
Archaeological section of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency: Protecting Historic Monuments & Buildings, Archaeological Objects & Wrecks. Information on excavation licences, and the laws regarding Scheduled and State Care Monuments. The Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Record and Buildings Database can be searched online.
Buildings Of Ireland: the website of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) of Ireland, a section within the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The work of the NIAH involves identifying and recording the architectural heritage of Ireland, from 1700 to the present day. This site is the on-line representation of the survey work of the NIAH. Surveys are presented by county, and consist of a searchable database record and images of each building/structure surveyed. At present there are 5 counties completed and several thousands of images available, these surveys are ongoing and this site will be updated with new survey material regularly.
The National Museum: see under Museums.
The National Library site provides information about opening hours and facilities, along with information about the various collections. There is also an online catalogue and information on Library publications.
National Archives, Dublin Guide to using the Archives, with some searchable databases, including records of the Ordnance Survey and the Office of Public Works. Also, information on visiting the Archives and obtaining copies of documents.

Museums

Cavan County Museum: descriptions of the various rooms, and details for visiting.
Clare Museum: This museum, in Ennis, was opened in October 2000. It occupies two floors of a 19th-century convent building and contains displays relating to the history and archaeology of County Clare. The website provides the usual information on location, opening times, and facilities, and describes (in 4 languages) the Museum's thematic approach based on Earth, Power, Faith Water and Energy. There is also a teachers' guide and children's quiz, news of recent acquisitions, copies of press-cuttings and information on joining the Friends of the Museum. The home page can be automatically tranlated into any one of 19 languages by pressing one of the little flags.
Corca Dhuibhne Regional Museum: Details of the museum of history and antiquities of Corkaguiney - the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry. Artifacts from excavations in the area are on display, as are cross-slabs and ogham stones. Facilities include a cafe and a bookshop.
The National Museum of Ireland : information for visitors, and decriptions of the Museum's four divisions: Archaeology, Decorative Arts and History, Country Life, Natural History. There is also a short description of the conservation department, resources for teachers and students, and forthcoming exhibitions.
Kerry County Museum: information on this museum in Tralee.
The County Museum for Louth, in Dundalk. Details of exhibitions, opening hours, and what to do if you want to donate an artifact.Another website for this museum.
Waterford County Museum, Dungarvan. In addition to details of the museum itself, publications available and genealogical resources, there are a number of online historical articles and books, photographs of some of the collections, and even the earliest-known film footage of Dungarvan, dating from 1920. Additionally, there are a number of 'virtual tours', which are interactive panoramas.
Limerick City Museum: part of the Limerick City Council website, this gives details of the museum and gives access to a searchable online museum catalogue. Approximately 50,000 items are listed, ranging in date from the Middle Stone Age to the present day. Most items are illustrated by photographs or scans. The database may be searched by keyword, name, catagory, location [provenance] or period.
Hunt Museum, Limerick. Museum which houses the collection assembled by John and Gertrude Hunt. It is particularly rich in mediaeval material, but also includes Egyptian, Greek and Roman objects and Irish archaeological material. Includes an illustrated on-line catalogue.
The Celtic and Prehistoric Museum in Ventry, Dingle, boasts exhibits ranging from Mongolian dinosaur eggs to French hand-axes, but appears to have little or nothing of Irish provenance. Unlike in many museums, visitors are encouraged to touch the flint implements. When you've seen the exhibits, you can have a snack in the 'Scones and Bones' café and buy real fossils in the shop. One American visitor who left a comment on TripAdvisor found it bizarre, and declared it the best museum in Ireland.
Monaghan County Museum: award-winning museum displaying many artifacts from the region, including the 14th-century Cross of Clogher. Small website which is part of the County Council website. Details about the museum, current and past exhibitions, and pictures of 'mystery objects' with the answers on another page.

Archaeological and Historical Societies

Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland. The premier archaeological society in Ireland. It was founded in 1849 to "preserve, examine and illustrate all ancient monuments and memorials of the arts, manners and customs of the past, as connected with the antiquities, language, literature and history of Ireland". It organises regular lectures, talks and excursions, and publishes an annual journal. In addition to location and contact details, the website provides a guide to forthcoming events, along with summaries of recent lectures and news relevant to Irish archaeology.
The Ballyhalbert Historical Society was set up with the aim of researching, recording and preserving the history and archaeology of Ballyhalbert, a coastal village on the Ards Peninsula, County Down.
Clogher Historical Society. Since 1952, Clogher Historical Society has been exploring all aspects of the social, religious and economic history of the Diocese of Clogher, which encompasses all of county Monaghan, most of Fermanagh, a large part of Tyrone and small portions of both Louth and Donegal. The site provides information on membership and coming activities, and an online index to the Society's journal, the Clogher Record.
Cork Historical and Archaeological Society. Founded in 1891 for the collection, preservation and diffusion of all available information regarding the City and County of Cork. These objects were subsequently extended to Munster and worldwide. The society has published a journal since 1892, the first volume of which has been republished on CD-ROM.
Creggan Local History Society The Society covers the area of the Barony of Upper Fews in Counties Armagh and Louth. It has been in existence for 18 years and publishes a journal Creggan every two years. The website contains a complete list of the articles, with brief summaries.
Donegal Historical Society. Information about membership, field trips, and the Society's museum. Also tables of contents from the Donegal Annual. The current volume, 59 (2007) can be freely downloaded as a .pdf file (36 megabytes!).
Kildare Archaeological Society. Founded in 1891 to promote the study of the antiquities of County Kildare and surrounding districts. The Society's website gives details about membership, forthcoming events, and the Journal. There is an online index to the Journal.
Mallow Archaeological & Historical Society. The Mallow Field Club organises field trips and lectures and publishes an annual journal. Its field of interest is the history and archaeology of the area round Mallow, in the northern part of County Cork.
The Thomond Archaeological and Historical Society is dedicated to the part of North Munster which formed the ancient Kingdom of Thomond. It is an all-round antiquarian society encompassing subjects such as folklore, placenames and numismatics as well as archaeology and history. The website gives details of forthcoming lectures and outings, along with contact details for membership enquiries, and for the society's journal, the North Munster Antiquarian Journal
Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society. Information about the Society and its collections. Includes a wonderful section called Reading Resources which includes a lot of specially-written articles, and a collection of photographs in different categories, including archaeology.
The Rathmichael Historical Society, founded in 1972, covers the history and archaeology of this South County Dublin parish and surrounding areas. The website gives details of forthcoming meetings and excursions, along with contact details.
A local society with a difference, the Sligo Field Club includes flora and fauna along with archaeology, histore, and folklore in its sphere of interest. It welcomes all interested people, and the site includes a downloadable membership form. As well as information on membership, the committee, and programmes of events, there are useful pages to help readers with their own research, such as a bibliography and a Notes & Queries page. An online photographic archive is being started, and a 'Can You Help' section for those photos of unidentified people, places or objects.
The County Tipperary Historical Society, founded in 1987, is 'a society dedicated to recording and disseminating the history, heritage and folklore of County Tipperary, a Munster county steeped in history'. In addition to latest news and membership information, the full text of all issues of the society's newsletter is available, along with tables of contents for the Tipperary Historical Journal .

People

E-mail directory for Irish archaeology E-mail addresses of archaeologists involved in Irish research at home and abroad
Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland. Its aim is "to advance the profession of archaeology by seeking to promote development, education, contact, regulation, high standards and public dissemination of its work." The website provides information on the Association itself, details of its annual conference, and its journal, the Journal of Irish Archaeology.

Books and other publications

Principal archaeological and historical journals in Ireland.
Online searchable index listing, among other items, archaeological articles in some Irish journals. It's actually the catalogue of the private library of the Dutch state field archaeology service, but useful as a bibliographical database. Their Irish holdings include the North Munster journal and P.R.I.A. On the drop-down menu on the left change 'Nederlands' to 'English' on the opening screen. This will take you to the search page.
ARCHway Searchable listing of the archaeology journals held by over 20 UK university, museum and private libraries. Full tables of contents of a number of UK journals, including the Ulster Journal of Archaeology.
Wordwell Books Archaeological publishers and booksellers. Publishers of Archaeology Ireland, a quarterly popular magazine about the latest developments in Irish archaeology. This can be ordered (back issues and subs) through the site, as can a large range of archaeology books. Tel: +353-1-2862649; Fax: +353-1-2864215
Journal of Irish Archaeology: published at irregular intervals since 1983 but now more or less annual, this journal is intended as a forum for discussion and debate on all aspects of archaeology with particular reference to Ireland. The site includes tables of contents since the first issue, with abstracts of most articles.
INSIGHT: New Perspectives in Irish Studies: An on-line magazine about Irish archaeology, history and more. As an Internet publication, it goes beyond the bounds of printed media, with new articles published as they come in, and provision for multimedia contributions. Current articles include a feature on the Hunt Museum in Limerick, a review of the RTE documentary on the Battle of Kinsale, and a particularly useful article on what we really know about the Druids, which should help to stop people being misled by the many fanciful books on the subject. In addition to the articles, there are job advertisements and 'wanted' and 'for sale' sections.
The British & Irish Archaeological Bibliography (BIAB) : The ultimate bibliography of the archaeology of the British Isles. On-line abstracts and bibliographic references to nearly 200,000 documents dating from 1695AD to the present day, fully searchable in a relational database structure. The full on-line service will be launched in spring, 2003. A prototype version is available now to try out and comment on: tell them what you like, what you want to see develop and what you don't like.
Alan Godfrey Maps Reprints of old Ordnance Survey maps, both the One-inch and 25-inch series (the latter is reduced to approximately 14 inches to a mile for reprinting). The range is gradually being increased.
The Book Nest: Bookshop in Sligo with mail order service. Specialising in books of Irish interest. Free postage in Ireland for all books. The site includes reviews and a Book of the Week.
Celtic Studies Bibliography: A bibliography, under various headings including Art and Archaeology, based on recent volumes of various journals, including the Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland and Emania. It is being prepared by the Celtic Studies Society of America.
The Collins Press of Cork publishes on a wide range of subjects, with a growing archaeology section. The latest addition to this is Temples of Stone by Carleton Jones of UCG. This describes Ireland's megalithic tombs, and includes a list of 100 sites 'worth visiting'.
Cork University Press The oldest university press in Ireland, founded in 1925. Specializes in the broad field of Irish Cultural Studies. Its catalogue includes books of archaeological interest.
De Búrca Rare Books: As the name suggests, this company specialises in rare works. It also publishes reprints of the more sought-after older works.
Kennys' Bookshop and Art Galleries, Galway. This shop, well-known among archaeologists and historians in Ireland and abroad, specialises in new and second-hand books of Irish interest. This on-line service allows you to search the catalogue and to order books.
Four Courts Press, one of Ireland's leading academic book publishers, publish many titles of historical and archaeological interest, including the new book on Irish Ringforts by Matthew Stout.
Light Years Ago - A new book examining the possible role of the megalithic tombs at Newgrange and Cairn T, Loughcrew, as solar calendars.
The Irish section of the Paleopathology Association publishes a newsletter which is also available on the Web (current and previous issues).
Peritia: affectionately known by less classically-minded archaeologists as `Perdition', the name of this journal really means `knowledge', with the more specific meaning in Hiberno-Latin of `historical knowledge'. It deals with the mediaeval period, especially the earlier part, and publishes learned articles from a number of disciplines including archaeology, law, hagiography, palaeography and literary history.
Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy - The site provides detailed instructions for authors, as well as tables of contents from 1996 onwards, along with abstracts and freely downloadable full text .pdf versions of most of the articles since then.
Tipperary Historical Journal: Annual journal with articles on the history and archaeology of County Tipperary, including reports on recent excavations. The website includes tables of contents, and it is hoped eventually to provide on-line access to out-of-print issues.
Traditions Magazine: a new journal of folklore and traditions. It includes some articles about archaeological topics, and it is planned to cover a specific archaeological site in each issue and provide readers with relevant information about the folklore and stories associated with that area. The website gives a general introduction to the magazine, including lists of contents and some sample articles, along with information on subscriptions, stockists and advertising.
Trowel journal of the Archaeological Society of University College Dublin. Their website includes tables of contents for past issues, and abstracts of articles 1998/99 issue, Volume IX. The journal may be contacted at trowelucd@.hotmail.com.
Ulster Journal of Archaeology, published by the Ulster Archaeological Society. Site includes a table of contents for 3rd Series Volumes 57 and 58 (1997 and 1999), and information on ordering back issues. In the future it is planned to have abstracts, and the full text in PDF format will be available to subscribers.

Photographs, drawings and videos

Irish archaeology on YouTube There are now probably hundreds of videos relating to Irish archaeology, of widely varying quality and relevance, on YouTube. This page reviews a selection, arranged by theme.
Hermann Geissel's Website: Photographs of sites of archaeological and historical interest in Ireland, with detailed sections on North Kildare.
Daniel Tietzsch-Tyler, reconstruction artist. If you want to know what life was really like in the past, you need to look at reconstruction drawings. Even the most detailed description of postholes or stone ruins tells you little compared to the way informed imagination can bring the whole scene to life. The almost photographic detail in Daniel Tietzsch-Tyler's drawings makes you feel almost as though you were there. His website shows some samples, but you are likely to come across the full-size drawings in the course of visiting sites or reading about them.
Digital Imaging Project: based on the slide collection of Mary Ann Sullivan, professor of English and Art history at Bluffton College, Ohio. They cover architecture and sculpture ranging in date from prehistoric to post-modern, in locations from America to Pakistan. From Ireland, there are photographs (all with explanatory text) of various High Crosses, Gallarus Oratory and Newgrange.
Galathea Illustrations:A brief introduction to the services provided by this company specialising in archaeological illustrations, including reconstruction drawings and artifact illustrations.
Ireland Pictures & Irish Posters Various posters and photos, including some photographs of Newgrange.
Irish Photo Shop: Colour and black & white photographs of Ireland, available as framable prints or on calendars. The list can be searched by county, or by theme. Themes of archaeological interest include churches, castles, monuments and 'Celtic crosses'. Free wallpaper and screen saver available.
John Pierce Black and White Ireland Photography Black-and-white prints by John Pierce, a New York-based photographer originally from County Wexford, who specialises in pictures of Ireland. The examples shown on his website include a number of archaeological monuments, including Blarney, Glendalough, Rock of Cashel and a number of unidentified castles/tower houses. The text is somewhat garbled and the spelling is eccentric, to say the least. 'Clommaxinse' is Clonmacnoise (as, apparently, is 'Old Castle Ruins, Ireland'). 'Port Dolman, Ireland', is the portal dolmen at Poulnabrone,Co. Clare. The photographs are available in 8 x 10 and 11 x 14 inch sizes, framed or unframed.
Photography by Ken Williams A portfolio of recent photos, especially of archaeological monuments, with a preference for portal dolmens. Monuments like you've never seen them before! The dramatic lighting and vivid colours won't be to everyone's taste: the more strait-laced archaeologists who prefer their photos textbook-style had best avert their eyes!
Pictures of Ireland: links to lots of web-pages with photographs of Ireland. Part of a site called Pictures of Places, with similar links for countries all over the world.

Conferences, summer schools, tours and other events

American Conference for Irish Studies A multidisciplinary scholarly organization. It holds national and regional meetings which include plenary speakers, academic sessions in all fields of Irish Studies, poetry and fiction readings, films, and performances of Irish music and plays.
Archaeology Summer School, Achill Island An annual summer school, held every year from May-August on Achill Island, off the coast of County Mayo. The 2008 Achill Archaeological Field School was to run from 19th May to 24th August, but is continuing until late September with a 'bare bones' course and weekend 'tasters'. Archaeological survey, excavation methodology, geophysics and palaeoenvironmental studies are some of the subjects on offer. Throughout the season, there is also a programme of evening lectures by visiting specialists. In addition to the Field School, introductory courses for the archaeological enthusiast are held at various times between May and September, along with archaeological tours of the West of Ireland. Now offering professional development courses for professional archaeologists. The latest introductory course is the Bare Bones Course Suitable for beginners in archaeology.
The Castle Henllys project of the University of York: A project with training excavations involving research on Iron Age, Romano-British, post-Roman, medieval and post-medieval (historic) archaeology. In addition to a training excavation at Castell Henllys in south-west Wales, the International Field School carries out work in Ireland, so far including graveyard surveys in Counties Offaly, Galway, Louth, Monaghan and Fermanagh, and geophysical survey at Clonmacnoise, Monasterboice, Annagassan, and Devenish.
Cnoc Suain: Irish culture and activity holidays on a pre-famine hill farm. "An oasis of calm... our team of ecologists, folklorists, artists and musicians are masters in their chosen subjects".
Glencolmcille School of Archaeology : Oideas Gael offers a week-long program in Archaeology every August. The course is under the direction of Professor Michael Herity.
Walking Ireland: Walking tours of the Connemara area led by archaeologist Michael Gibbons. They range from day-trips to week-long package tours in this region of spectacular scenery and ancient sites. Seems to be inaccessible at the moment (Sept 2008). [Try this link in the meantime]
Heritage Tours Story-teller Richard Marsh leads small groups on full-day tours, on which Irish myth and legend come to life in a special way "on location" at Stone Age passage tombs, Bronze Age stone circles and dolmens, Iron Age hill forts and ring forts, standing stones, ogham stones, earthworks and raths.
Tour The Ages Tour The Ages - specialist Irish historical and archaeological tour company, brings visitors on week-long themed tours by luxury coach, with expert guides. A Megalithic Ireland tour (the tombs & structures of the Irish Stone Age) is already available, others are in development.
Irish Conference of Medievalists An interdisciplinary gathering of all those interested in Ireland's mediaeval past. Takes place on the last weekend of June every year. Papers are given on mediaeval language and literature, history, art and archaeology.

Background information

the CELT project: A bit of historical background. Hypertext version of text material of Irish interest, including the Annals of the Four Masters, the Annals of Connaught, the Annals of Ulster, the Annals of Tigernach and the Song of Dermot and the Earl. When complete, the project will cover contemporary and historical topics from many areas, including literature and the other arts. It aims to provide the material to the greatest possible range of readers, researchers, academic scholars, teachers, students, and the general public.
Brehon Aid: a site devoted to the study of the ancient Irish Brehon Laws, and to support the CELT Project's production of a digital edition. They welcome research papers and are particularly interested to hear of any archaeological finds which could shed further light on the operation of the Brehon Laws.
IreAtlas townland database: a very useful resource for checking details of local administrative divisions. The smallest division of the Irish countryside is the townland. There are approximately 62,000 townlands in Ireland, ranging in size from just over an acre to 7,012 acres.
BUBL Information Service: Irish Archaeology A short list of links relevant to Irish archaeology.
Dictionary of Ulster Biography: An online and up-to-date edition of a reference work first published in book form in 1993, the Dictionary includes a number of archaeologists and related scholars. Its terms of reference are wide enough to include, for example, the late Professor Ruadhri de Valera, who died in Enniskillen. Other relevant entries include Thomas Delaney, Samuel Ferguson, T.G.F. Paterson and E. Estyn Evans. The online dictionary is produced by the Ulster History Circle, a voluntary organisation which places commemorative plaques in public places, in towns and villages all over Ulster, in honour of men and women who have contributed to the Province's history.
The ORB: The Online Reference Book for Medieval Studies A collection of articles and bibliographies on various topics relating to the Middle Ages, this is a peer-reviewed academic publication by various authors. Items of Irish interest include bibliographies on Old and Early Christian Irish Studies, and the Vikings.
The Confession of Saint Patrick One of the few reliable sources of information on Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. A translation by Ludwig Bieler.
St. Patrick's Somerset Birthplace Summary of a book which argues plausibly, on the basis of documentary and placename evidence, that St. Patrick was born in Banwell, Somerset. Includes contact details for buying the book.
Celtica is the journal of the School of Celtic Studies of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. While it concentrates on literature and linguistics, it sometimes strays into early Irish art. The web-site includes tables of contents since the first issue in 1949. For the two most recent issues a Post-Script version of the text can be downloaded for each article.
Barbarians on the Greek periphery? Origins of Celtic Art by Constanze Witt. A hypertext version of the author's PhD dissertation. Using the Web to the full, it is very easy to navigate, with a floating window comprising three frames with links to Essays, Main Sites and Types of Object. Click on a map and it gets bigger, click on a bibliographic reference and it appears in full at the bottom of the screen.
Who were the Celts? A short history of the Celts. Quite well researched, with quotations from Livy and Diodorus, but misspells Galatia.
Scythica/Celticum Site dedicated to the Celts and Scythians, run by Dr. Vladimir Eremenko of St. Petersburg. Includes texts of some articles. Now only in Russian and none of the links seem to work.
The Connemara Archive: the film and photographic work of Bob Quinn (Cinegael) over the past thirty years in the West of Ireland. It includes an introduction to Atlantean, a book and a trilogy of films in which Mr. Quinn expounds his theory that the Irish have close cultural and racial connections with North Africa based on maritime trade.
Ancient Ireland an on-line magazine devoted to the history and archaeology of Ireland from prehistoric times to the Renaissance. An American-Irish site, it is devoted to the promotion of research into the Celts, whom the editors believe have suffered from the hostile reports of the Greeks and Romans. This site aims to promote a more Celtocentric view. Inaccessible, Sept 2008
Clannada na Gadelica A rather odd American crowd who try to live as they imagine the ancient Celts did, complete with pagan rituals. They are rather embarrassed by some traditional Celtic practices, however, such as slavery and human or animal sacrifice: they are 'evolving' towards sacrificing herbs! Nonetheless, among such delightfully wacky articles as 'Raising Kids in a Celtic Home' there are some sensible papers of archaeological interest, such as well-researched essays on Bronze Age and Iron Age swords and Celtic art. There is also a 'timeline of Irish history' from the Ice Age to the present day. It is a helpful chronology, but it uses the American 'Politically Correct' BCE and CE instead of BC and AD.
A sect called the British Israelites are notorious for having carried out an unscientific excavation of the Rath of the Synods at Tara at the turn of the century, in the hope of finding the Ark of the Covenant. They and various derivative organisations, still flourishing in America, hold the pre-archaeological belief that the peoples of the British Isles are descended from the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel.

Mailing lists and newsgroups

The Irish Archaeology & History Mailinglist Suite (IAHMS) is a comprehensive group of moderated discussion groups covering all periods of Ireland's past up to 1900AD. Groups within the suite of interest to archaeologists include:

Irish Archaeology, encompassing any and all aspects and periods of archaeology in Ireland.
To subscribe, email Irish-Archaeology-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Stone Age Ireland, covering the Irish mesolithic & neolithic.
To subscribe, email Stone-Age-Ireland-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Bronze Age Ireland, dealing with the bronze age in Ireland.
To subscribe, email Bronze-Age-Ireland-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Iron Age Ireland, covering the Irish iron age.
To subscribe, email Iron-Age-Ireland-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Early Medieval Ireland, dealing with Irish archaeology & history c.400-1200AD.
To subscribe, email Early-Medieval-Ireland-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Late Gaelic Ireland, covering the archaeology & history of late medieval and beginning of the early modern period, c.1000-1700AD.
To subscribe, email Late-Gaelic-Ireland-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Irish Settlement Studies, crossing the archaeology/ anthropology/ historic geography/ cartography/ GIS barriers to deal with all aspects of settlement in Ireland from first settlers to the 21st century.
To subscribe, email Irish-Settlement-Studies-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

British Archaeology Mailing List: Items of Irish interest are often discussed on this list. It's a good way of discussing your findings with a wider audience. To subscribe go to http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/archives/britarch.html

Irish Research Mailing List: a mailing list apparently available for any sort of research relating to Ireland, IRL-NET, but rarely used. To subscribe, send a message to: LISTSERV@LISTSERV.HEA.IE

Irish Usenet Newsgroups: the newsgroups soc.culture.irish and soc.culture.celtic, very occasionally include items of archaeological interest, but mostly consist of Americans and Americanised Irish people screaming obscenities at each other about politics and religion.