Ireland

Going Underground: An Experimental Archaeological Investigation of an Early Medieval Irish Souterrain

Author(s)
Tom Meharg 1 ✉
Publication Date
EXARC Journal Issue 2019/2
During the summer of 2018 I completed a master’s degree in experimental archaeology and material culture at University College Dublin, this research was carried out for the final dissertation. The project was to build and test a 1:1 model of an early medieval Irish souterrain. The subterranean structure is based on one of over 3,500 examples of this feature identified in Ireland...

Experience and Discovery: Engaging the Public in Research. A Survey on Experimental Archaeology Contemporary Practice and Meaning – Preliminary Results

Author(s)
Lara Comis 1 ✉
Publication Date
EXARC Journal Issue 2019/2

Introduction

The traditional way of engaging the public with the past has changed. Archaeological and historical heritage is not exiled anymore to an inaccessible showcase. Now it is possible to have a direct, physical contact with the “past” through a wide number of activities and locations, among which Archaeological Open-Air Museums (AOAMs) are the most utilized. But, as researchers are aware, the means used to engage the public are the fruit of an active process of investigation, especially in experimental archaeology.

Bark Basketry Workshop with Terry the Weaver

Date
Organised by
Irish National Heritage Park (INHP) (IE)
Country
Ireland

In this workshop, you will learn the skills of harvesting, storing and weaving with willow bark. Terry studied in Finland with a willow bark weaver as well as a birch bark weaver and will pass on these skills on this workshop. Bark baskets may be folded, knotted and woven and we will explore these techniques on the day.
€85 per participant

Two-day tapestry Weaving with Terry the Weaver

Date
Organised by
Irish National Heritage Park (INHP) (IE)
Country
Ireland

In this workshop, learn the art of tapestry weaving. Woven Tapestry is a process of weaving an image into a piece of woven cloth. Master weaver Terry Dunne will teach many of the skills and techniques of making a tapestry from scratch. Work on your own tapestry weaving frame and yarns and colours will build to make your own tapestry.

€150 per participant  

Celtic Carving with Tommy Kelly

Date
Organised by
Irish National Heritage Park (INHP) (IE)
Country
Ireland

Using sharp wood chisels and a timber mallet from your own tool cabinet, you will learn various techniques while creating a two-dimensional Celtic piece in lime wood. This one-day course is perfect for complete beginners. Wood carving is a skill which requires practice and lots of people choose to repeat the day as there are many different carving options.

€95 per participant

The Knightly Art of the Sword with Goat's Head Historical Fencing

Date
Organised by
Irish National Heritage Park (INHP) (IE)
Country
Ireland

These classes will cover the basis for combat with the Longsword as documented in the German tradition dating from the 14th century to the 16th century. Learn how to use a longsword defensively and offensively, using techniques originally devised by and taught to knights and nobles throughout the medieval period in Europe.