Irish Heritage School

We are Ireland’s leading provider of educational heritage experiences, including, third level courses, field-schools, bespoke travel tours and community/school.

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

We are so proud to have been part of one of the many inspirational initiatives funded by the GSI (for us through the Heritage Office of DLRCC). Today we attended a celebration of the incredible work being undertaken around the country celebrating our geodiversity and geoheritage.

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

It was an honour to be asked to talk at the launch of the Mogue's cottage thatched roof fundraising campaign. The lovely community of Ferns are rethatching the roof on this beautiful 19th century cottage. To support this worthy cause, go to https://t.co/kZWyjgHhIT

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

Did you know you can do the Celtic Camino as part of the Camino de Santiago?

You even get a passport. There are a number of pilgrimage routes in Ireland that count.

Today we did the section from Mellifont Abbey to St Peter's Church, Drogheda.

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

A busy week on the publication front. Our friend and colleague Elizabeth Reetz reached out to us last year as she and her co-editor Stephanie Sperling set about writing 'A Practitioner's Guide to Public Archaeology'.

We were delighted to share our thoughts.

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

Very proud to be part of the wonderful publication 'Sea and Settlement in Ireland's, published by Four Courts Press. Congratulations to editors Geraldine and Matthew Stout and all the other authors.

Available in all good book shops!

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

Happy equinox!

#loughcrew

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

Day 12 of our Archaeological Institute of America tour of the South.

So long, farewell...

We paid a visit to St Finian the Lepers monastery at Aghadoe, overlooking Lough Leane.

And our main stop was the Rock of Cashel, perhaps the most spectacular monastic site in Ireland.

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

Day 11 of our Archaeological Institute of America tour of the South.

Rain did not stop play and learning.

Staigue fort is spectacular! The Ring of Kerry did not disappoint. Ross castle was a bonus. Ross copper mines are a must!

And staying in Aghadoe is a treat!

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

Day 10 of our Archaeological Institute of America tour of the South.

Dun na Snead. Built by Fitzstephen in 1215. Taken by the O'Driscolls in 1261. Beautifully told by Paul, chief of the clan and his father in law Patrick McCarthy, who renovated the castle with his wife Bernie.

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

Day 9 of our Archaeological Institute of America tour of the South.

West Cork, the southernmost tip of Ireland.

Timoleague monastery, Drumbeg stone circle and the Sack of Baltimore told at the Beacon.

And incredible food!

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

Day 8 of our Archaeological Institute of America tour of the South.

Kinsale, and the story of the late 16th and 17th centuries of Irish, English and European history as they unfolded in this picturesque seaside village, told through the incredible James and Charles Forts.

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

Day 7 of our Archaeological Institute of America tour of the South.

The rebel county!

We visited Elizabeth Fort and St Finbarrs Cathedral.

Layers of history: 6th C monastery founded by Finbarr, 922 Viking settlement, 1173 Norman conquest, 17th C fort, 19th C prison...

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

Day 6 of our Archaeological Institute of America tour of the South.

Ardmore Cliff walk was stunning (although the monastery was closed for repairs)

Lunch in the Garden Kitchen was super, I can't recommend it more highly.

Colaiste na Rinne was educational and such fun!

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

Day 5 of our Archaeological Institute of America tour of the South. Waterford (& Munster). The Dunbrody famine ship is a remarkable story beautifully told. Reginald's Tower is an amazing legacy of the Vikings and Anglo-Normans who built the city. Waterford crystal is fascinating.

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

Day 4 of our Archaeological Institute of America tour of the South.

William Marshall, the Greatest Knight! What a man!

Hook lighthouse, 800 years old and going strong, and Tintern Abbey, converted to a family fortress by the Colcloughs, who later built the Victorian gardens.

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

Our final stop, after a delicious but huge lunch in the Courtyard Ferns, was the Irish National Heritage Park, where 9000 years of human habitation of Ireland is told through a series of replicas.

And of course the site of our Digging the Lost Town of Carrig project.

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

We then headed to the Ferns Medieval Experience where Catherine and her team gave a wonderful tour.

FME is the perfect way to gain a fresh perspective on Diarmait MacMurchada's motives for 'inviting' the Anglo-Normans into Ireland in an immersive and engaging way. 5 ⭐

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

Day 3 of our Archaeological Institute of America tour of the South.

Our first stop was Ferns, Diarmait MacMurchada's monastery, built in the 12th C on top of the 7th C St Mogue's monastery.

This is where Diarmait hid waiting for the Anglo-Normans to help him regain his kingdom.

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

AIA 2024 Day 2 Another super day.
Humans in Ireland through artefacts in the National Museum of Ireland
The Book of Kells and TCD
The story of the Irish immigrants beautifully told at the EPIC museum.
Plus nyummy food at Kennedeys and the Dalkey Duck

[Irish Heritage School @IrisHeritage]

A huge welcome to the Archaeological Institute of America!

Today marks the start of our tenth tour of Ireland with the AIA. Starting in Dublin (today Killiney Hill), then Wexford, Waterford, Cork, West Cork, Kerry and back to Dublin.

We hope you enjoy following our adventures.