FAQs

We have compiled some of the most Frequently Asked Questions here for your information; if the answer to your question is not here, please contact us with your query to [email protected]. Please scroll to the bottom for questions relating to Covid-19. 

When does registration open?

Registration is opened for our 2024 Courses. Registration is open until March 31st 2024 unless a course fills up beforehand.

 How do I apply?

Download a form on our courses page http://bafs.ie/summer/ or email us at [email protected].

How much experience do I need?

For student courses you do not need any experience. The internship program requires that you have a minimum of 4 weeks field/lab experience.

What is the application process?

We require a completed application form and 2 letters of recommendation (these can be from an employer but one should be from someone at your university) to be submitted to [email protected]. To secure a place we require a deposit of €500 with the remaining fees to be paid by 6 weeks before the course begins.

What does the cost include?

Our course costs include tuition, course credits, homestay accommodation for the time you are on the program, all meals and field trips.

Which institution is providing accreditation?

Our two certificate courses are run in conjunction with and accredited by Dundalk Institute of Technology. See:

https://www.dkit.ie/courses/school-of-business-and-humanities/humanities/certificate-in-archaeological-excavation-and-recording.html

https://www.dkit.ie/courses/school-of-business-and-humanities/humanities/certificate-in-archaeological-excavation-and-recording-with-osteology.html

Do I need a visa for Ireland?

To check if you need a visa for Ireland please visit the immigration section of the Irish Government website at http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Irish%20Visa%20Information

Please also remember to bring a letter confirming your attendance at the field school along with your passport.

How do I get to Trim?

Trim is situated about 45km from Dublin City and 48km from Dublin Airport. Buses run from Dublin city centre to Trim hourly. Alternatively, Students can take a taxi cab directly from the airport to Trim.

What do I need to pack?

Irish summers are variable and while it could be hot and dry when you get here this could change drastically within a day. Bring a lot of light layers and include waterproof boots jacket and trousers. Don’t forget a hat and sun cream.

In addition to preparing for the weather please also bring;

  • A notebook for journal entries while you are on site. This should be ruled on one page and graphed, ideally with metric units, on the other.
  • A trowel 3.5″ WHS standard or equivalent eg, Marshallstown.

Covid-19

In relation to the HSE national guidelines, we have adopted a Blackfriary Archaeology Field School Covid-19 Response plan. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all our students and staff.  We have selected a COVID-19 Lead Worker Representative and all staff members have completed appropriate COVID-19 hygiene and safety control training.

This training ensures team members have:

  1. a clear understanding of the COVID-19 infection.
  2. an awareness of their role in and responsibility for helping prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
  3. a clear understanding of standard precautions surrounding infection control.
  4. a clear understanding of the correct hand-washing techniques and practices.
  5. a clear understanding of how to apply this knowledge to their place of work.

Will I receive a refund if BAFS cancel their 2024 programs due to Covid-19?

In the unlikely event that we cancel any of our programs, we will offer students the choice of a full refund (minus any associated bank charges) or the option to defer their place to a later program.

If I sign up for a course that is not cancelled, but my parents or home institution will not allow me to travel, will I receive a refund?

Should you have to cancel your place on the course, you have the option to defer your place to a later date or to receive a refund of fees less the non-refundable deposit

Where can I find out more about COVID-19 in Ireland?

In Ireland, our Health Service Executive, provides up-to-date verified information on COVID-19 at https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/. 

Will I have to self-isolate when I arrive in Ireland?

At the moment we do not expect these measurements to be in place for Summer 2024. We are however monitoring the situation closely and will keep all our applicants informed on the most up-to-date information from our government.

Useful links

Tourism:

https://www.discoverireland.ie/

http://www.discoverboynevalley.ie/

https://www.dublinairport.com/

http://www.irishrail.ie/

http://www.buseireann.ie/

 

Archaeology:

https://www.archaeological.org/interactivedigs/blackfriaryireland

https://www.archaeology.ie/

https://www.museum.ie/Home

https://irishmedievalist.wordpress.com/

http://ihwcbc.omeka.net/

http://www.megalithicireland.com/

http://gothicpast.com/

http://users.clas.ufl.edu/davidson/Proseminar/Week%2012%20Time/Harris%201979%20laws%20of%20stratigraphy.pdf

http://irishantiquities.bravehost.com/index.html

http://www.strataflorida.org.uk/