Amplify Archaeology Podcast

By Neil Jackman

Dig into Ireland’s past... more

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The podcast currently has 51 episodes available.

Amplify Archaeology Podcast episodes:

August 27, 2025Excavations at Rathgurreen Ringfort Amplify Archaeology Podcast
Excavations at Rathgurreen Ringfort
Dig into the Story in Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 48 with Dr Michelle Comber
In this episode of Amplify Archaeology Podcast, Neil chats with Dr Michelle Comber about her exciting recent excavations at Rathgurreen Ringfort in the Maree Peninsula of County Galway
The Maree Peninsula extends into Galway Bay south of the city, and north of the Burren. It is a place full of history, with monuments spanning millennia. The peninsula is the focus of an exciting new research project by the University of Galway with the Discovery Programme, the local community, and other partners. The study began with excavations at Rathgurreen Ringfort, led by Dr Michelle Comber.
The dig discovered a complex story of continuity and change over centuries, along with evidence of contacts with the Roman world, along with Scotland, France, and Scandinavia. In this episode of Amplify Archaeology Podcast, Michelle joined Neil for a chat about the exciting results of the dig, and what it might tell us about life in the past in this beautiful part of Ireland’s western coast.
Amplify Archaeology Podcast is sponsored by Tuatha, this is our online membership with a growing community of like-minded people who love exploring Ireland’s sites, landscapes and heritage. You can find out more and start your own Irish archaeological adventure today at tuatha.ie.
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
Title: Excavations at Rathgurreen Ringfort
Duration: 58 mins.
Summary:
In this episode, Dr Michelle Comber discusses her exciting recent excavations at Rathgurreen Ringfort.
Excavations at Rathgurreen Ringfort – Key Discussion Points and Show Notes
Introduction to the Maree Project – 1 min 50 secs
A discussion on the placename – 4 min 34 secs
The connection with ancient monuments in the past– 7 min 40 secs
An introduction to Rathgurreen Ringfort itself – 9 min 20 secs
Who was involved with the excavation? – 15 min 02 secs
The experience of digging at Rathgurreen – 17 min 30 secs
A discussion of the key findings– 18 min 47 secs
The earlier enclosure – 26 min 13 secs
The clearances of the site and the first ringfort – 27 min 02 secs
Trade and connections – 40 mins 03 secs
The excavation strategy – 46 mins 40 secs
What’s next and where to find out more – 53 mins 35 secs
Links to further information
You can find more information on the Maree Project on the University of Galway website here.
And they will be posting updates on the university archaeology department Facebook page here.
I had the chance to visit Michelle’s excavations at Caherconnell in the Burren in a previous episode of the podcast. You can dig into that here.
I hope you enjoyed the show, please do leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts if you can, or share the episode using the podcast #AmplifyArchaeology – it really does help us to be found so I’d be very grateful!
If you’d like to dig deeper into the stories of Ireland you’ll love our membership service Tuatha. You’ll find online courses on Irish archaeology and heritage, articles on places to visit, itineraries for great days out, opportunities to join us on our monthly lecture series and on our tours, and lots more! You can learn more and sign up here. And remember to use your coupon code AMPLIFY20 for 20% off.
Amplify Archaeology Podcast is also available on
Dig into more stories with Amplify Archaeology Podcast
We'd love it if you'd consider sharing this episode with a friend
Episode 38 with Dr Michelle Comber
Excavations at Caherconnell Fort
Amplify Archaeology
Episode 43 with Dr James O’Driscoll
Irish Hillforts
Amplify Archaeology
Episode 44 with Christine Baker
Digging Drumanagh
Amplify Archaeology
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58min
July 20, 2025Words on the Wave Amplify Archaeology Podcast
Words on the Wave
Dig into the Story in Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 47 with Maeve Sikora & Matt Seaver
In this episode of Amplify Archaeology Podcast, Neil pays a visit to the National Museum of Ireland, where he chats with Maeve Sikora and Matthew Seaver about the momentous Words on the Wave exhibition.
The Words on the Wave exhibition in the National Museum of Ireland features precious manuscripts from the Abbey of St Gall, Switzerland — some returning to Ireland for the first time in 1000 years — alongside spectacular objects from the Irish world from which they emerged. And it tells the story of early Irish saints like Columbanus, Gall and the monks who travelled to the Alps and beyond.
In this episode of Amplify Archaeology Podcast, Neil is joined by by Maeve Sikora, Keeper of Irish Antiquities at the National Museum of Ireland, and Matt Seaver, Assistant Keeper of Antiquities and the principal curator of the Words on the Wave exhibition. Together, we dig into the story of the exhibition and how it all came about, as well as hearing about some of the incredible artefacts that are on display.
Amplify Archaeology Podcast is sponsored by Tuatha, this is our online membership with a growing community of like-minded people who love exploring Ireland’s sites, landscapes and heritage. You can find out more and start your own Irish archaeological adventure today at tuatha.ie.
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
Title: Words on the Wave
Duration: 55 mins.
Summary:
In this episode, we visit the National Museum of Ireland to see the momentous Words on the Wave exhibition.
Words on the Wave – Key Discussion Points and Show Notes
The background to Words on the Wave – 2 min 16 secs
Introduction to the story of the early Irish monks and the manuscripts in St Gallen – 4 min 29 secs
What are the manuscripts about? – 12 min 14 secs
Did the process of curating the exhibition bring new opportunities for analysis and research? – 14 min 59 secs
The importance of collaboration and multidisciplinary work – 19 min 52 secs
The insights into the humanity of the scribes revealed by the manuscripts – 23 min 11 secs
The process of selecting the artefacts to illuminate the context of the manuscripts – 26 min 20 secs
The exhibition design – 29 min 37 secs
The Lough Kinale Book Shrine – 32 min 18 secs
The challenge of conservation – 35 mins
The Viking threat – 35 mins 51 secs
Did the process of connecting the manuscripts and objects all together reveal any new insights? – 39 mins 50 secs
The fantastic school project for Words on the Wave – 41 mins 18 secs
The question of repatriation – 45 mins 46 secs
Future plans for Words on the Wave – 47 mins 45 secs
Go and see Words on the Wave, it’s ending in October! – 49 mins 08 secs
Show notes and links to further information
I cannot recommend Words on the Wave enough. It is absolutely brilliant, moving and deeply inspirational. The artwork of the manuscripts, the story of the monks and the objects from their world all combine into something really special. It is one of the best exhibitions I’ve visited, and you only have until the end of October 2025 to see it. And it is absolutely free! So do take this once in a lifetime chance, and make your own peregrination to the past!
You can find lots of information on Words on the Wave in the National Museum website here.
And you can watch the wonderful school project on YouTube.
The exhibition catalogue is well worth picking up, it is full of detail not only about the artefacts and manuscripts, but the whole story. And it is a real bargain at just €20. Available from the National Museum shop, find out more here.
I had the opportunity to chat with Maeve and Matt on a previous episode of Amplify Archaeology Podcast, where we went into the role of the National Museum of Ireland and its collection. You can listen to that here.
As I mentioned, Dr Niamh Wycherley is the host of the Irish Medieval History Podcast, and she featured a two part episode on Words on the Wave, where they delve into detail on the history and significance. I highly recommend having a listen to that. You can find her podcast on Spotify.
I hope you enjoyed the show, please do leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts if you can, or share the episode using the podcast #AmplifyArchaeology – it really does help us to be found so I’d be very grateful!
If you’d like to dig deeper into the stories of Ireland you’ll love our membership service Tuatha. You’ll find online courses on Irish archaeology and heritage, articles on places to visit, itineraries for great days out, opportunities to join us on our monthly lecture series and on our tours, and lots more! You can learn more and sign up here. And remember to use your coupon code AMPLIFY20 for 20% off.
Amplify Archaeology Podcast is also available on
Dig into more stories with Amplify Archaeology Podcast
We'd love it if you'd consider sharing this episode with a friend
Episode 43 with Dr James O’Driscoll
Irish Hillforts
Amplify Archaeology
Episode 44 with Christine Baker
Digging Drumanagh
Amplify Archaeology
Episode 34 with Dr Michael Potterton
Moynagh Lough
Amplify Archaeology
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55min
April 12, 2025Excavations at Rathgall Hillfort Amplify Archaeology Podcast
Excavations at Rathgall Hillfort
Dig into the Story in Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 46 with Dr Katharina Becker
In this episode of Amplify Archaeology Podcast, Neil is joined by Dr Katharina Becker to dig into the story of Rathgall Hillfort and the groundbreaking excavations by Professor Barry Raftery.
Located in the borderlands of County Wicklow and Carlow, Rathgall is one of the most well known of Ireland’s hillforts. The story of this truly monumental site was uncovered by Professor Barry Raftery over the course of a number of seasons of excavations in the late 1960s and 1970s. The digs revealed evidence of high status metalwork, cremation and burial, and how the site has been a place of significance for millennia. Although Professor Raftery published aspects of the site primarily in the 1970s, he sadly passed away before he could finalise a comprehensive account.
In this episode of Amplify Archaeology Podcast, I had the opportunity to dig into the story of Rathgall with Dr Katharina Becker, the co-author of a fantastic new Wordwell publication A Hillfort Through Time. This new book brings together all of Professor Raftery’s work, and maintains his thoughts and ideas about the site, skilfully augmented and recontextualized with contemporary evidence and theory.
As we chat, Katharina discusses the fascinating archaeological discoveries, and what Rathgall can tell us about Bronze Age Ireland, whether we can still call Rathgall a hillfort, and the incredible legacy of the late Professor Barry Raftery.
Amplify Archaeology Podcast is sponsored by Tuatha, this is our online membership with a growing community of like-minded people who love exploring Ireland’s sites, landscapes and heritage. You can find out more and start your own Irish archaeological adventure at tuatha.ie.
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
Title: Round Towers
Duration: 68 mins.
Summary:
Dr Katharina Becker joins us in this episode to discuss Professor Barry Raftery’s excavations at Rathgall.
Excavations at Rathgall Hillfort – Key Discussion Points and Show Notes
Introduction to Rathgall and its context – 1 min 50 secs
Professor Barry Raftery and his legacy in Irish archaeology – 3 min 05 secs
Was there much awareness about Rathgall amongst antiquarians? – 6 min 39 secs
Why did Barry choose to excavate at Rathgall? – 8 min 10 secs
How did the excavations begin and how were they funded? – 11 min 55 secs
The seasons at Rathgall – 13 min 30 secs
Was the plan to do multiple seasons there from the outset? – 16 min 05 secs
The earliest evidence at Rathgall – 17 min 28 secs
Bronze Age Rathgall – 18 min 57 secs
The ramparts – 22 mins 51 secs
Can we really call Rathgall a hillfort?– 31 mins 21 secs
Transformation through fire – metalworking and cremation – 32 mins 46 secs
Metalworking and production – 37 mins 30 secs
The astonishing gold-mounted glass bead and other items of personal dress – 37 mins 27 secs
Potential sources of gold for Bronze Age Ireland – 43 mins 07 secs
The Iron Age – 45 mins 28 secs
Early Medieval and Medieval Rathgall– 49 mins 30 secs
What is the significance of Rathgall? – 51 mins 32 secs
The importance of charcoal and environmental analysis – 57 mins 40 secs
What was the impetus for the book, and what was the process of working on it like? – 1 hour 1 min
Show notes and links to further information
I highly recommend the publication, A Hillfort Through Time: Excavations at Rathgall, Co. Wicklow by Barry Raftery and Katharina Becker. You can order it directly from the publisher Wordwell here.
It appears to be out of print now, but you can still find copies of Barry’s landmark book Pagan Celtic Ireland: The Enigma of the Irish Iron Age circulating out there. The terrible all-encompassing website named after a South American River might have it. But if you can, try your local bookshop or local library first.
Incidentally if you’d like to see something lovely, you can see an image of the incredible Milmorane Bead here that got a brief mention. It was found as part of a small hoard in a bog in County Cork. It really is special, and it is the only thing close to the gold mounted glass bead found at Rathgall. I always marvel at the intricate skill needed to work at that tiny scale.
I hope you enjoyed the show, please do leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts if you can, or share the episode using the podcast #AmplifyArchaeology – it really does help us to be found so I’d be very grateful!
If you’d like to dig deeper into the stories of Ireland you’ll love our membership service Tuatha. You’ll find online courses on Irish archaeology and heritage, articles on places to visit, itineraries for great days out, opportunities to join us on our monthly lecture series and on our tours, and lots more! You can learn more and sign up here. And remember to use your coupon code AMPLIFY20 for 20% off.
Amplify Archaeology Podcast is also available on
Dig into more stories with Amplify Archaeology Podcast
We'd love it if you'd consider sharing this episode with a friend
Episode 43 with Dr James O’Driscoll
Irish Hillforts
Amplify Archaeology
Episode 44 with Christine Baker
Digging Drumanagh
Amplify Archaeology
Episode 34 with Dr Michael Potterton
Moynagh Lough
Amplify Archaeology
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1h 9min
March 25, 2025Round Towers Amplify Archaeology Podcast
Round Towers
Dig into the Story in Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 45 with Christiaan Corlett
Ireland’s round towers are one of the most distinctive features of our historic landscapes. But what do we know of these iconic structures, when do they date to, and who built them? In this episode of Amplify Archaeology Podcast, Neil is joined by archaeologist Christiaan Corlett to dig into the story.
Ireland’s round towers are some of our most instantly recognisable reminders of our past. If you’ve ever visited the likes of the Rock of Cashel, Glendalough, Clonmacnoise – or even driven down the M8 motorway – you may have marvelled at these soaring structures.   But when were they built and why? Who commissioned them and how were they constructed? A fantastic new publication provides an insight into these iconic monuments. It’s by archaeologist Christiaan Corlett of the National Monuments Service, who joins Neil to discuss the potential origins, dating, and purpose of our round towers.
Amplify Archaeology Podcast is sponsored by Tuatha, this is our online membership with a growing community of like-minded people who love exploring Ireland’s sites, landscapes and heritage. You can find out more and start your own Irish archaeological adventure at tuatha.ie.
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
Title: Round Towers
Duration: 54 mins.
Summary:
Archaeologist Christiaan Corlett joins us in this episode to discuss Ireland’s iconic round towers.
Round Towers – Key Discussion Points and Show Notes
Introduction to round towers – 1 min 40 secs
How did people understand round towers across time? – 3 min 20 secs
Do we know which was the first built in Ireland? – 6 min 50 secs
Are they regional, are there any significant concentrations? – 11 min 20 secs
What were the reasons for building them? – 12 min 15 secs
Patronage, power and influence – 13 min 24 secs
How many do we have still standing, and how many have been lost? – 19 min 04 secs
The scarily shallow foundations of round towers! – 21 min 30 secs
Construction techniques – 24 min 20 secs
The high doorways – 27 mins 14 secs
More on the purpose of round towers– 27 mins 55 secs
The stone masons who constructed round towers – 32 mins 07 secs
Were round towers rendered? – 38 mins 30 secs
Decorated doorways and features – 40 mins 51 secs
Does Chris have a particular favourite? – 46 mins 30 secs
The restoration of round towers – 48 mins 40 secs
Recommendations of towers to visit– 51 mins 38 secs
Show notes and links to further information
I highly recommend picking up a copy of Chris’ book. Not only will it give you a good sense of these monuments, but it is beautifully illustrated with fantastic photographs throughout. You can pick up a copy online from the publisher here.
And you can find more books, images and other fantastic content from Chris on the Coles Lane Website.
I hope you enjoyed the show, please do leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts if you can, or share the episode using the podcast #AmplifyArchaeology – it really does help us to be found so I’d be very grateful!
If you’d like to dig deeper into the stories of Ireland you’ll love our membership service Tuatha. You’ll find online courses on Irish archaeology and heritage, articles on places to visit, itineraries for great days out, opportunities to join us on our monthly lecture series and on our tours, and lots more! You can learn more and sign up here. And remember to use your coupon code AMPLIFY20 for 20% off.
Amplify Archaeology Podcast is also available on
Dig into more stories with Amplify Archaeology Podcast
We'd love it if you'd consider sharing this episode with a friend
Episode 43 with Dr James O’Driscoll
Irish Hillforts
Amplify Archaeology
Episode 26 with Prof. Roger Stalley
Irish High Crosses
Amplify Archaeology
Episode 1; Conor MacDermott & Graeme Warren
Excavations at Glendalough
Amplify Archaeology
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54min
February 07, 2025Digging Drumanagh Amplify Archaeology Podcast
Digging Drumanagh
Dig into the Story in Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 44 with Christine Baker
Underneath the quiet fields on the headland of Drumanagh in North County Dublin, lies a truly exciting story. This headland is home to one of the most important promontory forts in Ireland, where an innovative community archaeology programme is uncovering connections between Iron Age Ireland and the Roman World. Lead archaeologist Christine Baker tells us all about it in this episode of Amplify Archaeology Podcast.
Located between the villages of Loughshinny and Rush in North County Dublin, the headland at Drumanagh is a prominent local landmark that has become a popular place for dog walkers and people seeking a good blast of fresh sea air. Its strategic aspect can clearly be seen in the early 19th century martello tower at the end of the promontory, but sharp-eyed visitors may well have noticed that the headland is underscored by earthworks and a deep ditch. A hint about a deeper, older story that lies beneath the surface. Over the last number of years, the Digging Drumanagh Project has sought to uncover that story. What they have revealed is transformative to our understanding of connections between Iron Age Ireland and the wider Roman world beyond.
Christine Baker is the Heritage Officer for Fingal County Council. Christine has long been a pioneer of community archaeology in Ireland. Along with the Digging Drumanagh, Christine has carried out a number of important public engagement excavations, surveys and projects, including excavations at Swords Castle, Climate Heritage X (that we had the pleasure of helping with). 2025 marks ten years of the Fingal Community Archaeology Programme, which is an incredible achievement. As community and public archaeology is something I am passionate about myself, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to chat with Christine about her experiences. I hope you enjoy the episode.
The Digging Drumanagh post-excavation process is ongoing. The archaeological director is Christine Baker, specialists Siobhan Duffy (Artefacts & Zooarchaeology), Alex Croom (Pottery), Prof. Meriel McClatchie (Archaeobotanical remains), Dr. Erin Crowley-Champoux (Molluscs) for sharing their initial findings. The on-site team includes Stephen Johnston, Dr John Sunderland, Dr Penny Johnston, Siobhan Duffy and Máiréad Ní Challanáin, as well as all the fantastic participants of Digging Drumanagh. The scheme is funded by Fingal County Council and supported by the Heritage Council. You can find out more on their website here. The images on this page are courtesy of Fingal County Council and the Digging Drumanagh Project.
Amplify Archaeology Podcast is sponsored by Tuatha, this is our online membership with a growing community of like-minded people who love exploring Ireland’s sites, landscapes and heritage. You can find out more and start your own Irish archaeological adventure at tuatha.ie.
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
Title: Digging Drumanagh
Duration: 47 mins.
Summary:
Archaeologist Christine Baker joins us in this episode to discuss community archaeology and the fascinating excavations at Drumanagh that casts new light on the connections between Iron Age Ireland and the Roman World.
Digging Drumanagh – Key Discussion Points and Show Notes
Introduction to Drumanagh – location and what it’s like today – 1 min 26 secs
What are promontory forts? When do they date to? – 4 min 10 secs
The threat to promontory forts from climate change – 7 min 10 secs
What was known about Drumanagh before the project? – 8 min 55 secs
Did the later activity like the martello tower impact the earlier archaeology? – 12 min 40 secs
What does Drumanagh tell us about connections with Rome? – 13 min 24 secs
How did the council become involved with Drumanagh? – 15 min 45 secs
What were the original research questions and objectives for the Drumanagh project? – 18 min 35 secs
What did the project uncover? – 21 min 05 secs
The evidence for craft and industry at Drumanagh – 27 mins 20 secs
The famous fig – 31 mins 30 secs
The Fingal Community Archaeology Project – 37 mins 10 secs
The importance of community archaeology – 42 mins 10 secs
Show notes and links to further information
I highly recommend digging into the Fingal County Council website where you can find excavation reports, videos, information about how to take part and a whole lot more on the Drumanagh project. You can find that here.
Please do leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts if you can, or share the episode using the podcast #AmplifyArchaeology – it really does help us to be found so I’d be very grateful!
If you’d like to dig deeper into the stories of Ireland you’ll love our membership service Tuatha. You’ll find online courses on Irish archaeology and heritage, articles on places to visit, itineraries for great days out, opportunities to join us on our monthly lecture series and on our tours, and lots more! You can learn more and sign up here.
Amplify Archaeology Podcast is also available on
Dig into more stories with Amplify Archaeology Podcast
We'd love it if you'd consider sharing this episode with a friend
Episode 33 with Dr Daniel Curley et al
Farming Rathcroghan
Amplify Archaeology
Episode 30 with the excavation team
Digging Dún Áilinne
Amplify Archaeology
Geraldine & Matthew Stout and Excavation Team
Excavations at Beaubec
Amplify Archaeology
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48min
November 27, 2024Irish Hillforts Amplify Archaeology Podcast
Irish Hillforts
Dig into the Story of Irish Hillforts in Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 43 with Dr James O’Driscoll
Irish Hillforts are some of our largest monuments, though until recently they remained relatively enigmatic. In recent years Dr James O’Driscoll has started to uncover their story, he tells us all about it in this episode of Amplify Archaeology Podcast.
The name ‘hillfort’ is quite descriptive, as at first glance they appear as well, large forts on top of hills. Though the work of Dr James O’Driscoll and colleagues have revealed that they have a far more interesting and nuanced tale to tell. A programme of survey and excavation carried out by James, Prof. William O’Brien and colleagues discovered much about the nature and chronology of Irish hillforts, along with the types of activities that were carried out within them.
This discussion teases out the question of what is a hillfort, the types of landscape that they can be found in, their period and how that compares with similar monuments in the UK and elsewhere, and what they might tell us about territoriality, trade, culture and landscape in the past.
Dr James O’Driscoll lectures in the University of Glasgow. James’ primary research is focused on the application of remote sensing and GIS based techniques in archaeology, with particular emphasis on prehistoric enclosures and Bronze Age hillforts, their contemporary landscapes and socio-economic setting. James has co-authored two important books on the subject, Hillforts, Warfare and Society in Bronze Age Ireland, and the recently published Baltinglass and the Prehistoric Hillforts of Ireland.
Amplify Archaeology Podcast is sponsored by Tuatha, an online membership with a growing community of like-minded people who love exploring Ireland’s sites, landscapes and heritage. You can find out more and start your own Irish archaeological adventure at tuatha.ie.
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
Title: Irish Hillforts
Duration: 1 hour 11 mins.
Summary:
In this fascinating discussion with Dr James O’Driscoll we discuss Irish hillforts in terms of period, place and what they can tell us about societies in the past.
Irish Hillforts – Key Discussion Points
Introduction to Irish Hillforts – 1 min
Where can you find hillforts? – 7 min 47 secs
Their association with political boundaries – 10 min 05 secs
What drew James to study hillforts – 15 min 25 secs
The study of hillforts that led to the publication of Hillforts, Warfare and Society – 18 min 20 secs
Neolithic hillforts – 24 min 14 secs
Introduction to the Baltinglass Complex – 28 min 50 secs
Why is the Baltinglass area so special? – 36 min 50 secs
Upland interactions and the use of hillforts – 40 min 20 secs
The inland promontory fort of Caherconree – 53 mins 27 secs
What should people picture when they are thinking of a hillfort – 1 hour 2 mins
What hillforts are good to visit? – 1 hour 4 mins
Show notes and links to further information
I highly recommend Baltinglass and the Prehistoric Hillforts of Ireland by James O’Driscoll, Alan Hawkes & William O’Brien, published by Wordwell. You can order online here.
And James’s earlier book Hillforts, Warfare and Society in Bronze Age Ireland is available from Archaeopress here.
You can find a number of papers by James on Academia.edu here.
You can read more on the history and visitor experience at the Grianán of Aileach here.
You can read more on the history and visitor experience at Rathmichael Hillfort here.
Please do leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts if you can, or share the episode using the podcast #AmplifyArchaeology – it really does help us to be found so I’d be very grateful!
If you’d like to dig deeper into the stories of Ireland you’ll love our membership service Tuatha. You’ll find online courses on Irish archaeology and heritage, articles on places to visit, itineraries for great days out, opportunities to join us on our monthly lecture series and on our tours, and lots more! You can learn more and sign up here.
Amplify Archaeology Podcast is also available on
Dig into more stories with Amplify Archaeology Podcast
We'd love it if you'd consider sharing this episode with a friend
Episode 35 from the Archives
A Newgrange Solstice
Amplify Archaeology
Episode 30 with the excavation team
Digging Dún Áilinne
Amplify Archaeology
Episode 8 with Dr. Patrick Gleeson
Excavations at the Rock of Cashel
Amplify Archaeology
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1h 11min
October 31, 2024Community Archaeology at St Annes Park Amplify Archaeology Podcast
Community Archaeology at St Anne’s Park
Dig into the Story in Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 42 with James Kyle
Community Archaeology at St Anne’s Park
Dig into the Story in Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 42 with James Kyle
A wonderful community archaeology project has been underway at St Anne’s Park in Dublin City. Excavation director James Kyle tells us all about it in this episode of Amplify Archaeology Podcast.
An elegant historic house, once owned by the famous Guinness Family, proudly stood in part of what is now known as St Anne’s Park. The building was destroyed by fire in the 1940s, before being completely demolished in the 1960s. However, a dynamic community archaeology project has been underway to help to uncover its story. The dig includes members of the local community who work alongside experienced archaeologists. The preservation of in-situ architectural features and deposits relating to the occupation, fire and demolition of the structure ensures the opportunity for volunteers to engage with tangible archaeological material as well as assess the phases of the structural development and ultimate demise of the house.
Now in its fourth year, the Saint Anne’s Park Community Archaeology Programme was launched in 2021 as a partnership project under the Dublin City Strategic Heritage Plan. It is a collaboration between DCC Parks Biodiversity and Landscape Services and the Archaeology and Heritage Sections of the Planning and Property Development Department. The programme is partially funded by the Heritage Council and the Creative Ireland Programme, and has been delivered by Archaeology and Built Heritage Ltd, with the support of a fantastic group of community volunteers.
The archaeological director James Kyle leads us through the story of the lost house, as we discuss the practice of community archaeology, wellbeing in heritage and more. So let’s dig into the story of community archaeology in St Anne’s Park in this episode of Amplify Archaeology Podcast!
(all images courtesy of Archaeology and Built Heritage Ltd)
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
Title: Island Pilgrimage
Duration: 50 mins.
Summary:
Hear about a fantastic community archaeology project in St Anne’s Park, Dublin.
Community Archaeology at St Anne’s Park – Key Discussion Points
Introduction to St Anne’s Park and the project – 1 min 22 secs
What could be seen of the house prior to excavation? – 5 min 20 secs
How did surviving documents and maps help the dig? – 9 min 20 secs
The dig throw up any surprises? – 10 min 01 secs
Has the dig changed people’s perception of the park? – 14 min 45 secs
Public interest in archaeology – 16 min 20 secs
The tangibility of early modern archaeology – 19 min 15 secs
The community involvement in the excavation – 21 min 06 secs
What do we mean by the ‘community’ in community archaeology, who was involved? – 26 min 20 secs
Archaeology and wellbeing – 28 mins 22 secs
How can we make archaeology more inclusive and engaging for the public? – 34 min 30 secs
Has the project changed people’s perceptions of place? – 34 min 24 secs
What’s the future of the project? – 41 min 45 secs
Show notes and links to further information
You can find information on the St Anne’s Park Community Archaeology Project on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
You can also find a short video on the project on YouTube.
Please do leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts if you can, or share the episode using the podcast #AmplifyArchaeology – it really does help us to be found so I’d be very grateful!
If you’d like to dig deeper into the stories of Ireland you’ll love our membership service Tuatha. You’ll find online courses like an Introduction to Irish Archaeology with Neil Jackman, another giving you the skills to dig into your own family history with an Introduction to Irish Genealogy with Tara Clarke, and examine the pivotal era of Early Medieval Ireland with Dr Sharon Greene. You’ll also find hundreds of articles on places to visit, itineraries for great days out, opportunities to join us on our monthly lecture series and on our tours, and lots more! You can learn more and sign up here. Use coupon code AMPLIFY20 for 20% off your first subscription.
Amplify Archaeology Podcast is also available on
Dig into more stories with Amplify Archaeology Podcast
We'd love it if you'd consider sharing this episode with a friend
Episode 37 with Dr Ruth Carden & Dr Rebecca Boyd
Viking Dogs
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Episode 34 with Dr Michael Potterton
Moynagh Lough
Amplify Archaeology
Episode 33 with Dr Daniel Curley et al
Farming Rathcroghan
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The post Community Archaeology at St Annes Park Amplify Archaeology Podcast appeared first on Abarta Heritage Home.
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51min
September 14, 2024Excavations at Knowth Amplify Archaeology Podcast
Excavations at Knowth
Dig into the Story of Knowth in Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 41 with Dr Kerri Cleary
Excavations at Knowth
Dig into the Story of Knowth in Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 41 with Dr Kerri Cleary
In this episode of Amplify Archaeology Neil chats with Dr Kerri Cleary about Professor George Eogan’s excavations at Knowth.
There are few places as deeply layered in stories as Knowth. Located in the famous bend of the Boyne like its near neighbour Newgrange, Knowth has been a place of significance for millennia. Through the Neolithic as a place of settlement and ritual, an Iron Age ancestral burial ground, an early medieval ‘royal’ residence of the kings of North Brega, and activity continued through the medieval period and onwards. Today Knowth is part of the celebrated Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site, and visited by thousands of people every year. Its complex story was uncovered in a truly monumental series of excavations led by the late Professor George Eogan. In this episode of Amplify Archaeology Podcast, Neil chats with Dr Kerri Cleary who discusses those excavations and George’s incredible legacy in Irish archaeology, and describes the story of Knowth through time. Kerri is the co-author of a fantastic new guidebook to Knowth published by the Royal Irish Academy, that provides a wonderfully accessible introduction to this incredible archaeological complex.
The images here are all courtesy of the Royal Irish Academy.
Professor George Eogan at Knowth
Courtesy of the Knowth Archive, Royal Irish Academy
Knowth Guidebook
Knowth Guidebook, Royal Irish Academy
Sandmartins at Knowth
By Uisce Jakubczyk, Courtesy of the Royal Irish Academy
Artist's impression of the passage tomb construction phase
By Steve Doogan. Courtesy of the Royal Irish Academy
Artist's impression of the passage tomb cemetery at Knowth
By Steve Doogan. Courtesy of the Royal Irish Academy
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
Title: Excavations at Knowth
Duration: 1 hour 16 mins.
Summary:
In this episode of Amplify Archaeology Neil chats with Dr Kerri Cleary about Professor George Eogan’s excavations at Knowth.
Excavations at Knowth – Key Discussion Points
What and where is Knowth? – 2 min 14 secs
Professor George Eogan – 5 min 40 secs
Kerri’s links with Knowth – 9 min 05 secs
What was Knowth like before George started work? – 11 min 04 secs
What was the background to the excavation? – 14 min 40 secs
The experience of the excavation– 18 min 18 secs
The excavations at Knowth and Newgrange overlap, did they influence each other? – 21 min 55 secs
The chronology of Knowth, beginning with its earliest origins – 25 min 30 secs
The megalithic art at Knowth – 34 min 03 secs
Knowth in the Bronze Age – 40 min 12 secs
Knowth in the Iron Age – 44 min 15 secs
Knowth in the Early Medieval Period – 48 min 39 secs
The Mythology of Knowth – 52 min 40 secs
Knowth as part of the World Heritage Site – 57 min 20 secs
Knowth as part of the World Heritage Site – 57 min 20 secs
The Guidebook to Knowth – 1 hour 04 min 17 secs
The Knowth Macehead – 1 hour 09 min 41 secs
Show notes and links to further information
You can pick up a copy of the brilliant new guidebook from the Royal Irish Academy here.
And you can enjoy a deep dive into the details of the excavations at Knowth in the seven volume series now available Open Access on the Digital Repository of Ireland here.
Please do leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts if you can, or share the episode on social media using the podcast #AmplifyArchaeology – it really does help us to be found so I’d be very grateful!
If you’d like to dig deeper into the stories of Ireland you’ll love our membership service Tuatha. You’ll find online courses on Irish archaeology and heritage, articles on places to visit, itineraries for great days out (including one on the Boyne Valley featuring Knowth), opportunities to join us on our monthly lecture series and on our tours, and lots more! You can learn more and sign up here, and don’t forget to use the coupon code AMPLIFY20, to get 20% off your first subscription.
You can also purchase a gift membership to Tuatha, so if you have an archaeology aficionado in your life, or someone who loves going exploring Ireland’s ancient monuments, consider making the past their present. You can find monthly or annual vouchers here (and the coupon code works there too!).
Amplify Archaeology Podcast is also available on
Dig into more stories with Amplify Archaeology Podcast
Episode 40 with Prof. Gabriel Cooney
Death in Irish Prehistory Part One
Amplify Archaeology
Episode 28 with Prof. Muiris O’Sullivan
The Winter Solstice at Knockroe
Amplify Archaeology
Episode 7; Lara Cassidy, Robert Hensey et al
Neolithic Mortuary Practice at Carrowkeel
Amplify Archaeology
Please help to Amplify Archaeology by sharing this podcast
The post Excavations at Knowth Amplify Archaeology Podcast appeared first on Abarta Heritage Home.
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1h 16min
November 15, 2023Death in Irish Prehistory Part 2 – Amplify Archaeology Podcast
Death in Irish Prehistory Part 2
Dig into the Story of Death in Irish Prehistory in Part 2 of Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 40 with Prof. Gabriel Cooney
Death in Irish Prehistory Part 2
Dig into the Story of Death in Irish Prehistory in Part 2 of Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 40 with Prof. Gabriel Cooney
This is the second part of an in-depth discussion with Professor Gabriel Cooney on his landmark publication – Death in Irish Prehistory.
The new publication Death in Irish Prehistory covers life and death over 8,500 years in Ireland. The book explores the richness of the mortuary record that we have for Irish prehistory (8000 BC to AD 500) as a highlight of the archaeological record for that long period of time. Because we are dealing with how people coped with death, this rich and diverse record of mortuary practice is also relevant to understanding how we deal with death today, which is just as central a social issue as it always was. Written by Professor Gabriel Cooney, and beautifully illustrated by Conor McHale, the book is a landmark publication for Irish archaeology. It is thoughtful, insightful and beautifully produced, and helps to humanise those who walked before us, some millennia ago.
In this episode of Amplify Archaeology Podcast, Neil has an in depth discussion with the author of Death in Irish Prehistory, Professor Gabriel Cooney. In this second and final part, we take a chronological approach and look at continuity, change and belief over 8,500 years. If you haven’t heard the first part, you can find that here.
With the exception of the banner that features an aerial image of a tomb at Carrowkeel, the images here are all courtesy of the Royal Irish Academy.
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
Title: Death in Prehistory Part Two
Duration: 1 hour 26 mins.
Summary:
In this second part of the discussion with Prof. Gabriel Cooney, we discuss the archaeology of death through time.
Death in Irish Prehistory Part 2 – Key Discussion Points
Death in the Mesolithic Period – 1 min 55 secs
Death in the Neolithic Period – 12 min 03 secs
Death in the Chalcolithic Period – 23 min 34 secs
Death in the Bronze Age – 29 min 00 secs
Death in the Iron Age – 51 min 02 secs
People’s connection to prehistoric mortuary sites today – 1 hour 8 min 18 secs
Show notes and links to further information
If you didn’t hear the first part, I recommend checking that out here.
Again I can’t recommend the book highly enough! You can purchase a copy here.
Please do leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts if you can, or share the episode using the podcast #AmplifyArchaeology – it really does help us to be found so I’d be very grateful!
If you’d like to dig deeper into the stories of Ireland you’ll love our new membership service Tuatha. You’ll find online courses on Irish archaeology and heritage, articles on places to visit (including lots of the sites discussed in this podcast), itineraries for great days out (including one on the Boyne Valley featuring a number of the megalithic tombs discussed here), opportunities to join us on our monthly lecture series and on our tours, and lots more! You can learn more and sign up here.
You can now purchase a gift membership to Tuatha, so if you have an archaeology aficionado in your life, or someone who loves going exploring Ireland’s ancient monuments, consider making the past their present. You can find monthly or annual vouchers here.
Amplify Archaeology Podcast is also available on
Dig into more stories with Amplify Archaeology Podcast
Episode 40 with Prof. Gabriel Cooney
Death in Irish Prehistory Part One
Amplify Archaeology
Episode 28 with Prof. Muiris O’Sullivan
The Winter Solstice at Knockroe
Amplify Archaeology
Episode 7; Lara Cassidy, Robert Hensey et al
Neolithic Mortuary Practice at Carrowkeel
Amplify Archaeology
Please help to Amplify Archaeology by sharing this podcast
The post Death in Irish Prehistory Part 2 – Amplify Archaeology Podcast appeared first on Abarta Heritage Home.
...more
1h 27min
November 12, 2023Death in Irish Prehistory Part 1 – Amplify Archaeology Podcast
Death in Irish Prehistory Part I
Dig into the Story of Death in Irish Prehistory in Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 40 with Prof. Gabriel Cooney
Death in Irish Prehistory Part I
Dig into the Story of Death in Irish Prehistory in Amplify Archaeology Podcast Episode 40 with Prof. Gabriel Cooney
This is the first part of an in-depth discussion with Professor Gabriel Cooney on his landmark publication – Death in Irish Prehistory.
The new publication Death in Irish Prehistory covers life and death over 8,500 years in Ireland. The book explores the richness of the mortuary record that we have for Irish prehistory (8000 BC to AD 500) as a highlight of the archaeological record for that long period of time. Because we are dealing with how people coped with death, this rich and diverse record of mortuary practice is also relevant to understanding how we deal with death today, which is just as central a social issue as it always was. Written by Professor Gabriel Cooney, and beautifully illustrated by Conor McHale, the book is a landmark publication for Irish archaeology. It is thoughtful, insightful and beautifully produced, and helps to humanise those who walked before us, some millennia ago.
In this episode of Amplify Archaeology Podcast, Neil has an in depth discussion with the author of Death in Irish Prehistory, Professor Gabriel Cooney. In this part, we discuss the archaeology of death, and how we know what we know. And what the types of evidence can reveal about life, death and belief in prehistoric Ireland. Don’t forget to join us for part two, where we take a chronological approach and look at continuity, change and belief over 8500 years. You can find Part Two of the discussion here.
With the exception of the banner that features an aerial image of Fourknocks Passage Tomb, the images here are all courtesy of the Royal Irish Academy.
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
AMPLIFY ARCHAEOLOGY PODCAST
Title: Death in Prehistory Part One
Duration: 55 mins.
Summary:
In this first part of the discussion with Prof. Gabriel Cooney, we discuss the archaeology of death.
Death in Irish Prehistory Part 1 – Key Discussion Points
A chat about cultural relativism – 2 min 30 secs
The impetus behind the book and the way that it is structured – 9 min 30 secs
What can archaeology tell us about life and death – 13 min 34 secs
How to be an objective observer as an archaeologist – 17 min 35 secs
While archaeology can tell us about practice what can it tell us of belief? – 19 min 40 secs
The development of archaeological practice and theory in relation to prehistoric mortuary sites – 29 min 55 secs
Do we have better evidence for some periods than others? – 37 min 06 secs
Is there a danger of selection bias when it comes to the circumstances and type of sites excavated? – 40 min 05 secs
Is there an inherit bias in terms of who was buried and how? Includes discussion of survival bias – 45 min 03 secs
Show notes and links to further information
You can find Part Two of the discussion here.
I can’t recommend the book highly enough! You can purchase a copy here.
Please do leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts if you can, or share the episode using the podcast #AmplifyArchaeology – it really does help us to be found so I’d be very grateful!
If you’d like to dig deeper into the stories of Ireland you’ll love our new membership service Tuatha. You’ll find online courses on Irish archaeology and heritage, articles on places to visit, itineraries for great days out (including one on the Boyne Valley featuring a number of the megalithic tombs discussed here), opportunities to join us on our monthly lecture series and on our tours, and lots more! You can learn more and sign up here.
You can now purchase a gift membership to Tuatha, so if you have an archaeology aficionado in your life, or someone who loves going exploring Ireland’s ancient monuments, consider making the past their present. You can find monthly or annual vouchers here.
Amplify Archaeology Podcast is also available on
Dig into more stories with Amplify Archaeology Podcast
Episode 40 with Prof. Gabriel Cooney
Death in Irish Prehistory Part Two
Amplify Archaeology
Episode 28 with Prof. Muiris O’Sullivan
The Winter Solstice at Knockroe
Amplify Archaeology
Episode 7; Lara Cassidy, Robert Hensey et al
Neolithic Mortuary Practice at Carrowkeel
Amplify Archaeology
Please help to Amplify Archaeology by sharing this podcast
The post Death in Irish Prehistory Part 1 – Amplify Archaeology Podcast appeared first on Abarta Heritage Home.
...more
56min

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