About The Maree Project Archaeology Dig

On Ireland’s Maree Peninsula, join archaeologists as they continue to excavate at an extraordinary Neolithic site. 

Work on Prospecthill began in 2026 with archaeologists Drs. Noel McCarthy and Michelle Comber. The team have been working to identify and excavate ancient sites on the Maree Peninsula to shed light on burial and ritual traditions among Ireland's earliest farming communities. 

In 2026, work began to excavate an Early Neolithic (3700-3500 BC)  court tomb but excavations revealed something unexpected. Alongside the court tomb was a portal tomb, with both dating to about 6,000 years ago. Prospecthill is the only known example in Ireland where both types of tombs have been found together and YOU CAN TAKE PART IN THE DISCOVERIES.​​

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Excavations have also revealed stone tools, prehistoric pottery, cremated remains, and an unusual amethyst pendant unlike any previously discovered at an Irish megalithic site.​ Help to find what else is waiting beneath the surface?

Your participation in the Maree Project excavation will contribute to researchers’ understanding of this area from native settlement, economics, and politics through time. This excavation has also been designed to examine land-use and ritual to help gain knowledge to apply to the modern world. Your archaeological contributions and funds will support the work of the project, while also bringing an important international perspective to the project. Once you unearth artifacts, they will ultimately join the collections at the National Museum of Ireland.​

You will be working under the supervision of the archaeologists for the duration of the excavation. Note that the tasks associated with working on an excavation can involve certain risks. Excavation work may involve difficult conditions, uneven terrain, unanticipated natural hazards, use of digging equipment, and/or strenuous manual labor. A general level of fitness is necessary for excavations, such as walking over uneven ground every day, kneeling, filling and carrying buckets of soil and stones. All activities will occur outdoors and are subject to the weather. 

This is a rural area, so expect to encounter pollen, wild vegetation, (like nettles) and insects - none of these are poisonous or very harmful in Ireland.

The Irish weather is notoriously changeable - rain, wind, sun all in one day; and sometimes even all at once! Generally, though, none of these are too extreme in summer and are easily managed with appropriate clothing.

On-site facilities are rustic. There are no bathrooms, but portable toilets will be available. There will also be a few on-site tents for daytime shelter.

Make your way to Galway City from Dublin or Shannon Airport to your home base in Galway City for the archaeological dig at Prospecthill.

Galway, known as the City of Tribes is a city filled with energy, history and a lively nightlife. The cobbled medieval streets are home to all sorts of pubs, craft shops and cafés. Head to Kirwan's lane where you’ll find musicians playing for the crowds or daredevil street performers defying danger. Kirwan's Lane is also home to relics of 16th and 17th century architecture.

During the course of the day, you’ll make your way to the Imperial Hotel, where you will be staying for the next 6 nights. Check in at 3pm (if you’re early, feel free to drop your bags) The hotel is in the heart of Galway City and only about a minute from Eyre Square. It’s close to some of Galway’s best bars and restaurants and the cobbled Shop Street, the retail hub of Galway.

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel in Galway

Meals: Dinner

Your work at Prospecthill takes place over the course of five days, where you will immerse yourself in the excavation, collection and study of artefacts, and recording of features at a site with a 5,000-year history! The huge upright stones were removed in the 1960s but what lies underneath—nobody really knows.

You will be among the first modern people to aid in the potential discovery of artifacts dating from Early Neolithic Ireland. This year, your work will entail excavation in search of this 'lost' tomb, and excavation of its internal area. You will be hands-on for the entire five days of this excavation, learning the methods of archaeological excavation and archaeological recording. This will allow you to immerse yourself in the excavation, collection and study of everything from artefacts to large features dating from the Irish Neolithic, the era of the first farmers.

Together with the site archaeologists, you will assist in unearthing the court tomb layout. Most of these courts were semi-circular with their open side facing outwards. Some were fully enclosed courts entered by a narrow passage, while others were open but have straight sides.

During your 5-day excavation, your days will consist of:

• Working with site directors, Dr. Noel McCarthy and Dr. Michelle Comber and other professional archaeologists. You'll also be working alongside Irish and international university students and local community participants.

• Archaeological fieldwork begins at 9am and ends at 5pm each day.

• You’ll break for mid-morning and lunch (It’s time to find your hearty packed lunch and enjoy a well-deserved break to your day.)

• At about 5pm each day, your driver will be waiting for you to escort you back to the hotel.​

• Evenings are free to relax and enjoy on your own

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel, 

Meals: Breakfast and a packed lunch each day, dinner on final night

Check-out of the hotel. Independent departures to onward destinations.