Dendrochronology
Dendrochronology is a scientific method used to date samples of wood based on the simple observable fact that trees grow by putting on a new ring of sap-wood every year of their lives. Accordingly...
View ArticleRadiocarbon (or C14) dating
Radiocarbon dating was discovered in the 1940s. There are a number of laboratories around the world which now specialize in this form of analysis. We are fortunate that one of the most important of...
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Pollen Analysis
Pollen analysis is a method for reconstructing the past vegetation history in a particular area or context. As we know that vegetation cover in particular areas has altered over time, the technique...
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Infant burial at Tulsk
One intact human infant burial was observed in the course of the Medieval Rural Settlement (see pages in Research section) excavations at Tulsk, Co. Roscommon. Preliminary specialist examination of the...
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Environmental Student Placement
In April 2011 the Discovery Programme Environmental department took on a student placement. Amy O'Keeffe; a transition year student from Athy, was with the Discovery Programme for a week and spent part...
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Environmental Archaeological Processes: Flotation
One of the principle procedures within environmental archaeology is that of flotation. While many archaeologists during hot summers relish an opportunity to submerge their arms in cool water, the...
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Environmental Archaeological Processes: Retents
Last week the procedure used to produce retents was outlined and this week the next step in the processing of soil samples through flotation is addressed. The environmental remains from the flot are...
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Hazelnut processing on Derragh Island
Excavations of Derragh island in 2004 and 2005 under the Lake Settlement Project uncovered a layer of hazelnut shells preserved by the waterlogging of the site. These shells were comprehensively...
View ArticleWODAN project secures more INSTAR funding
The Discovery Programme is delighted to learn that our Environmentalist, Dr Ingelise Stuijts, has been awarded €72,000 of INSTAR funding (administered by the Heritage Council) for the WODAN project...
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Beyond Environmental: Sun Worship on Achill
The weekend of the 2nd July saw the 20th anniversary of the Achill Archaeological Field School and their hosting of a conference focused on the archaeology and history of Achill and other western...
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AHSI and Discovery Seminar
The Agricultural History Society of Ireland and the Discovery Programme will host a seminar, Cattle: a long-term mainstay of Irish farming and economy on November 7th (Friday) at 09:30 to 16:45 in the...
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