Unique opportunity to take part in a Donegal archaeological dig!

A unique opportunity to take part in an archaeological excavation in Donegal has arrived this summer and you could be part of a great adventure. Now is your chance to test out that hidden Indiana Jones that is lurking within us all.

The Disert Heritage Project will be conducting an archaeological excavation between June 20 and July 15 2022 and they are now looking for volunteers to help out.

You can come for two days, a week or better still, for all four weeks – we are flexible, however booking is essential and be prepared for all kinds of weather. No experience necessary.

Previous participants and students from the US who have visited and volunteered at Disert in the past

(Photo: Michael McHugh) 

According to their website, Disert is a complex archaeological landscape located in the townland of Disert about half an hour's drive from Donegal Town. 

The site consists of a holy well dedicated to St Colmcille surrounded by a ritual pilgrim landscape that includes an early ecclesiastical enclosure, penitential  cairns and a cillin (children’s graveyard).

After a depressing year in 2020 when all events were cancelled, under the tutelage of archaeologist Fiona Beglane they were back in action in June and July 2021 with a second season of archaeological excavation.

Over 30 community members took part, some for just a day, while others came for up to four weeks. This followed on from the first season of excavation in 2019.

The team that year included community members as well as students from IT Sligo and US students from the Institute of Field Research.

They also had a number of events – prayers for St Colmcille’s day in June, archaeological field trips to Donegal and Sligo, a guest lecture by Dr Brian Lacey, guided tours of the excavation and a heritage week talk on the results of the excavation.

See https://disertheritage.com, email [email protected] or sign up at https://forms.gle/Vw1SR6fauQZDuBcG9