Step into Columcille’s Sacred Glen: Archaeology Summer School 2014

We’re very excited to bring you this year’s Fr. James McDyer Archaeology Summer School, Saturday, 2 August 2014 — Saturday, 9 August 2014. Here’s why:

1. Location

Earlier this year National Geographic named Gleann Cholm Cille as one of its Top 10 Historical Sites on the island of Ireland.

This remote village in County Donegal is home to numerous megalithic tombs and early Christian sites, as well as the Folk Village Museum depicting furnished thatched cottages from different eras. The best way to learn about the 5,000 years of history here is to attend the weeklong archaeology school offered in August by Oideas Gael and led by eminent archaeologist Michael Herity.

2. Teachers

This year’s school is directed by Emeritus Professor Michael Herity, MRIA, with Dr. Brian Lacey and Dr David MacGuinness. For the first time, we will have three major course contributors who will offer their respective insights as to the Early Christian history of Gleann Cholm Cille.

Last year, the Summer School was a finalist in the National Heritage Week Event Awards.

3. Theme: Columcille’s Sacred Glen

This year’s School is concerned with the life and traditions of Columcille, and the ascetic lives and the mission of early Christian hermits in remote places and on the lonely offshore islands of Ireland and Scotland, from Clear Island and Sceilg Mhichíl in Cork and Kerry to Rathlin O’Birne and Tory and on to Iona, the Papa Isles and the Faeroes.

This course is devised for adults with an interest in field studies. No previous knowledge is required, merely a serious interest in the theme and a desire to participate actively in sessions in the field observing the evidence of the monuments and their context. Over the past 29 years, thoughtful, observant students have experienced the pleasure of discovering new insights for themselves.

You can find the full course details here. Remember you can always e-mail us or contact us via Facebook or Twitter.