Irish Archaeology - related topics: architecture, history, the 'Celts', etc.
The Irish Architectural Archive collects and preserves material of every kind relating to architecture in Ireland and makes it available to the public. Irish buildings of every type, period or style, in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, are covered. The collection includes over 250,000 drawings ranging in date from the late seventeenth to the late twentieth centuries, along with 400,000 photographs, an extensive reference library, with more than 15,000 items of printed matter.
The Geological Survey of Ireland, founded in 1845, produces a range of maps, reports and databases. The website is intended to show the range of the GSI's work, activities and products.
The Irish Georgian Society is Ireland's Architectural Heritage Society. The Society aims to encourage an interest in and to promote the conservation of distinguished examples of architecture and the allied arts of all periods in Ireland. These aims are achieved by education and grants, planning participation, membership and fundraising. The Society publishes an annual journal, Irish Architectural and Decorative Studies.
The Registry of Deeds in Dublin was established in 1707 and although it is still an active part of the property registration system in Ireland it is of interest to historians and archaeologists for its collection of over 300 years of records describing land and buildings being sold, leased, or mortgaged. Anyone may search the records, on payment of a fee.
Sixth World Archaeological Congress - Dublin, Ireland from June 29th to July 4th 2008. Only of archival interest now, this was the website for the congress which met in Dublin in summer 2008, hosted by University College Dublin. UCD are evidently so astonished at their achievement that they have left the site up indefinitely, unlike the hosts of the 1st-5th and 7th+ Congresses.
The Agricultural History Society of Ireland Founded in 2000, but the website appears to be more recent - well designed, but little on it so far, and some parts are unfinished. Some photos and articles to download, and information on forthcoming events.
Brehon Aid: a site devoted to the study of the ancient Irish Brehon Laws, and to support the CELT Project's production of a digital edition. They welcome research papers and are particularly interested to hear of any archaeological finds which could shed further light on the operation of the Brehon Laws.
Ireland's History in Maps 'History + Geography + Genealogy With a Special Focus on Ancient and Medieval Irish Tribes and Septs'. A series of maps, with detailed commentary, covering the history of Ireland from the Ice Age to the 19th century.
Dictionary of Ulster Biography: An online and up-to-date edition of a reference work first published in book form in 1993, the Dictionary includes a number of archaeologists and related scholars. Its terms of reference are wide enough to include, for example, the late Professor Ruadhri de Valera, who died in Enniskillen. Other relevant entries include Thomas Delaney, Samuel Ferguson, T.G.F. Paterson and E. Estyn Evans. The online dictionary is produced by the Ulster History Circle, a voluntary organisation which places commemorative plaques in public places, in towns and villages all over Ulster, in honour of men and women who have contributed to the Province's history.
The ORB: The Online Reference Book for Medieval Studies A collection of articles and bibliographies on various topics relating to the Middle Ages, this is a peer-reviewed academic publication by various authors. Items of Irish interest include bibliographies on Old and Early Christian Irish Studies, and the Vikings.
The Confession of Saint Patrick One of the few reliable sources of information on Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. A translation by Ludwig Bieler.
The Birthplace of St. Patrick in Somerset Summary of a book which argues plausibly, on the basis of documentary and placename evidence, that St. Patrick was born in Banwell, Somerset. Includes contact details for buying the book.
Celtica is the journal of the School of Celtic Studies of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. While it concentrates on literature and linguistics, it sometimes strays into early Irish art. The web-site includes tables of contents since the first issue in 1949. For the two most recent issues a Post-Script version of the text can be downloaded for each article.
Barbarians on the Greek periphery? Origins of Celtic Art by Constanze Witt. A hypertext version of the author's PhD dissertation. Using the Web to the full, it is very easy to navigate, with a floating window comprising three frames with links to Essays, Main Sites and Types of Object. Click on a map and it gets bigger, click on a bibliographic reference and it appears in full at the bottom of the screen.
What We Really Know About Druids Much of what we 'know' about the druids is really based on the imagination of modern writers. This article, in the online journal Insight, compares the fantasy with the evidence.
Who were the Celts? A short history of the Celts. Quite well researched, with quotations from Livy and Diodorus, but misspells Galatia.
The Religion of the Ancient Celts By J. A. MacCulloch. First published in 1911, this is a scholarly account by Canon John Arnott MacCulloch of the religious beliefs of the pagan Celts insofar as it could be inferred from Classical accounts, archaeological evidence and anthropological parallels. Of course, there have been a lot of new discoveries in archaeology since 1911 but, as a recent reviewer wrote, MacCulloch's book is 'dated' but not 'outdated'. Also available as plain text and various e-book formats from the Project Gutenberg site.
The Connemara Archive: the film and photographic work of Bob Quinn (Cinegael) over the past thirty years in the West of Ireland. It includes an introduction to Atlantean, a book and a trilogy of films in which Mr. Quinn expounds his theory that the Irish have close cultural and racial connections with North Africa based on maritime trade.
Clannada na Gadelica A rather odd American crowd who try to live as they imagine the ancient Celts did, complete with pagan rituals. They are rather embarrassed by some traditional Celtic practices, however, such as slavery and human or animal sacrifice: they are 'evolving' towards sacrificing herbs! Nonetheless, among such delightfully wacky articles as 'Raising Kids in a Celtic Home' there are some sensible papers of archaeological interest, such as well-researched essays on Bronze Age and Iron Age swords and Celtic art. There is also a 'timeline of Irish history' from the Ice Age to the present day. It is a helpful chronology, but it uses the American 'Politically Correct' BCE and CE instead of BC and AD.
Pue's Occurrences - the IRHS Irish history blog. Called after an 18th-century Dublin newspaper, Pue's Occurrences is an Irish history blog. Not many articles of archaeological relevance, although 'Museums, Galleries etc.' is one of the categories. Rather than fixed chapters, Pue's has various categories in which the same article can pop up if it's relevant, which is handy for finding things. Short chatty articles, interviews, reviews, and a 5-part series on how to turn your PhD into a book.
Round Tower Churches Society - There are 185 round tower churches in England, mostly in East Anglia. These are not separate from the church, like the Irish towers, but church towers in the normal position. Because they are found in areas where normal building stone is not available, they are built of flint, and it is thought that the difficulty of constructing corners with this material dictated their shape.
World Digital Library. This is an online collection of pictures, documents, maps and sound and video recordings from throughout the world, of various dates. You can search by Place, Time, Topic, Type of Item or Institution. When you choose an illustration you can zoom in on it, and there is a text description with bibliographical details. There only one item from Ireland: Ortelius's map of Ireland (1598).
Web Based Resources - is a no-frills educational directory of Internet resources for a range of academic subjects ranging from Accounting to Zoology. It is maintained by Emporia State University, Kansas, U.S.A., for staff and students, but is available to everyone. Like the other subjects, the Archaeology section is divided into Electronic Journals and Websites. Both have a useful feature you don't often see: a Dead Link Archive.
Archnet A guide to archaeological/anthropological/museum resources on the Web anywhere in the world. This is the ultimate 'list of lists' which is probably ultimately linked to everything, anywhere, remotely linked to archaeology. You can type in a keyword, or choose a category: regions, subject areas, academic departments, museums, journals and publishers, software. 'Subject Areas' is particularly useful, leading to lists of links related to ceramics, botany, mapping/GIS, and rock art, to name but a few categories.
Anthropology Resources on the Internet. Originally known as Allen Lutins' List, this sorts links of anthropological and archaeological interest into similar categories to ArchNet.
The Worldwide Email Directory of Anthropologists (WEDA). A list of people rather than websites, it isn't limited to anthropologists but includes many archaeologists, both professional and avocational. Students are also welcome. The opening page consists of a search form. You can search for a name (or part of a name), institution, geographical region or research interest. I tried two searches: 'Ireland' produced two anthropology departments in Irish universities, an archaeologist, a heritage company and a person of unknown status; 'megalithic' produced a German museum, an American company, a Swedish university and a Spanish museum.
Archaeological Resource Guide for Europe (ARGE): This does for Europe what ArchNet does for the world. It is a database containing links to evaluated Internet resources (mainly web pages, but also other resources such as discussion lists) concerning European archaeology. You can choose to see the links listed according to country, subject or period, or you can do a simple or advanced search.
About.com's Archaeology site. Another guide to worldwide archaeology on the Internet, but a very different style: cluttered, lots of colours, frames, columns, advertisements jumping out at you. If you prefer television to books you'll probably like it. However, it does seem to have a lot of useful links, though they're probably more useful to Americans than to Europeans. Although about.com is a commercial venture, the specialist areas are edited by named 'guides', in this case K. Kris Hirst, and archaeologist. The list of sites for academic journals is particularly good, as it tells how far back the on-line tables of contents go for each.
Archäologie Online: German site about archaeology worldwide. Various articles. Guide to coming German TV programmes of archaeological interest, and recent relevant articles in the German press. Book reviews, a catalogue of CD ROMs, discussions, links to companies providing archaeological services. Archäologie-Online Club.
Archaeology Daily News - an online newspaper about the latest archaeology, anthropology, palaeontology and fossil news, headlines and top stories. It is worldwide in scope and freely accessible. Free RSS feeds and e-mail newsletters are available, and there is a PDA-friendly version. You can also submit news.
Great Archaeology - this site is subtitled 'History of archaeology', but in fact it is more than this. It is a guide to all aspects of archaeology, explaining the different branches and disciplines within archaeology, and with articles on famous discoveries and select World Heritage Sites. A great idea, but it needs a lot of improvement. Some parts appear to be machine translations into English. We are told that Caiaphas was 'the soaring priest of the Jews' and he was 'appointed to the self esteem' by the Procurator. The section on 'Movies based on archaeology' doesn't mention Black Emanuelle or Terror from the Year 5000 (AKA Cage of Doom). In places, archaeology seems to expand into modern history. However, it is a nicely designed site, without obtrusive advertising.
Archaeology in general: various interesting links
ShovelBums - As is obvious from the name, this is an American organisation. It is a directory of archaeological
jobs of all sorts, mostly in America, but theoretically worldwide. It also advertises field schools. The website includes an on-line shop with 'loads of
archaeology and anthropology themed bumper stickers, shirts, etc...' Non-current material is archived as a Yahoo group. TwitterFacebookLinkedin
Past Horizons
contains a wealth of information for volunteer archaeology fieldwork around the world, find field projects and fieldschools, expeditions and more. Buy
the best archaeology tools and archaeologists trowels. Watch Heritage videos on our Video site, and read the latest in our free online archaeology
magazine - the best in volunteer archaeology around the globe. As archaeologists ourselves, we know what we are talking about, because not only do we
use the tools we sell, dig the sites around the world - caring about archaeology - and you.
Institute for Archaeologists
The Institute for Archaeologists is a professional organisation for all archaeologists and others involved in protecting and understanding the historic
environment in the United Kingdom. It has 2800 members. Membership is open to anybody who works within the historic environment, whether they are employed
or voluntary.
IFA on Twitter, Facebook and
Linkedin.
The European Association of Archaeologists: an association for professional archaeologists in Europe. The
Association holds its annual conference every September, and published the European Journal of Archaeology
Online Archaeology - An archaeology news and discussion site, UK-based but with a worldwide scope.
Forums on various topics from 3D to Military Archaeology, articles on topics ranging from prehistoric cooking to GIS and CAD. Archaeology News and Jobs.
Archaeology resourses including YouTube videos, books, links and photos.
Some Chinese archaeological abstracts - a small collection of abstracts in English of
archaeological papers, mainly about tomb paintings. Also a note on a bronze vessel, and on the surname Yao. The page is hosted by The Far Asia Co, Ltd.
Council for British Archaeology (CBA): The CBA works to promote the study and safeguarding of Britain's
historic environment, to provide a forum for archaeological opinion, and to improve public interest in, and knowledge of, Britain's past. Information on
its history and policies, and on fieldwork, courses and conferences. Links to British Archaeology magazine and the Young Archaeologists' Club.
English Heritage, English Heritage (the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England) is
the national body created by Parliament in 1984 charged with the protection of the historic environment and with promoting public understanding and
enjoyment of it. Historic Scotland is the equivalent for Scotland, and
Cadw for Wales.
English Heritage is the cuddly, people-friendly name of what is officially the Historic Buildings and Monuments
Commission for England. In addition to acting as the Government's statutory adviser, English Heritage administers historic
sites and maintains the National Monuments Record, much of which can be accessed online. English Heritage membership, with
various family discounts, offers free entry to over 400 castles, stately homes, ruins and other monuments. In addition to
its popular opening pages, the website has a professional section (accessable to all) with more formal information about
English Heritage and its services.
The function of
Historic Scotland is to deliver policy and advise on all aspects of the historic environment on behalf of Scottish
Ministers. It also carries out statutory functions relating to two acts of Parliament relating to ancient monuments and
listed buildings. The website has a searchable catalogue of places to visit, and information on membership. There are links
to publications, some of which can be downloaded free, and information on conservation skills training.
Cadw is the historic environment service of the Welsh Assembly. The website has a searchable catalogue of places to
visit, and information on membership. There is a catalogue of publications and information on other services.
The British Museum, One of the world's great museums. The website gives the usual information about
access and facilities, along with a guide to the collections, classified both under departments and world cultures. There is also COMPASS, a database of
some 3000 objects from the Museum's collections. You can search by keyword, look at the Object of the Month, and take a Virtual Tour.
Archaeology Data Service: The main purpose of the ADS is to preserve archaeological data in digital form, but it also
makes most of it available as an on-line database which can be searched free of charge. Most of the holdings are from the British Isles (material from
Southern Ireland is currently rather sparse), but there are also some foreign holdings.
RESCUE: The British Archaeological Trust. Founded in the bad old days of the 1970s to help stem the tide of destruction. Increasing acceptance of archaeological investigation as a precondition of development has not solved all the problems, they maintain: 'RESCUE believes that archaeology in Britain has lost its sense of purpose. Through increasing bureaucracy and the constraints of the contracting system, the importance of archaeology to society has been eclipsed by the administrative demands of planners and the financial needs of developers.'
The scale and pace of destruction today is so great that the need to recover and record archaeological information is more urgent than ever before. Unless we act now our archaeological past will never be understood. RESCUE, the British Archaeological Trust, is a registered charity and an independent organisation committed to the protection, conservation, recording and interpretation of archaeological evidence – often the only evidence – of ALL our pasts.
http://www.twitter.com/rescue_news
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=20505278656&ref=ts
Museum of London Archaeology Service (MoLAS): The Museum of London has its own Archaeological Unit/Consultancy Service. The website gives details of the services provided, latest discoveries, and MoLAS publications ranging from glossy books to academic monographs, including the extremely useful Archaeological Site Manual.
The Time Team: Channel 4 TV series which follows an archaeological dig from the first spade-cut to the finding of artifacts and structures. Most of the boring bits between are edited out, but they do show all the disappointments when things don't turn out. Download the theme tune, order the book, join the club, and discuss in the forum.
Meet the Ancestors: archaeology series on BBC TV which aims to reveal 'the people who wore the brooches, who cooked in and broke the pots, who built and lived in the castles', even to the extent of carrying out facial reconstructions of skulls which are found. Includes live chat with the presenter after each programme.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00tjps6 Digging for Britain
Lindum Heritage Lindum is the old Roman name for Lincoln, based on an earlier Celtic name which is probably identical in meaning to Dublin: Dark Pool. Lincolnshire is sometimes regarded of as the forgotten county of England, but the truth is that it has an enormous amount to offer in the areas of archaeology and history Lindum Heritage is a company specialising in archaeological tours and courses. Examples of activities are a tour of the Lost Medieval Villages of Lincolnshire, a summer Training Dig (open to everyone), and a four-day family archaeological holiday.
Merchandise - gifts, jewellery, reproductions
Irish Arms - historical reproductions - reproduction artifacts, clothing, etc. for museums and heritage
centres. Also for re-enactment and films/television.
Darksword Armory is proud to offer battle-ready medieval swords and daggers to the SCA, LARP, and
collectors of combat-ready swords. Their mediaeval swords, armours and Renaissance rapiers are collected throughout the world.
Spiral Online - Celtic and mediaeval jewellery, swords and armour, incense and music.
Carve your own 'Celtic' cross! B. James Fay of Chicago has developed
a U-Carve-It Celtic High Cross Wood Carver Kit including full instructions on DVD and a set of carving tools. The main body of the cross is supplied
with a roughout of an interlace pattern which you then carve into its finished form and varnish.
Ireland: general links
EIRData, the website of the Princess Grace Irish Library (Monaco) - Includes biographical & bibliographical
information on 4,500 Irish writers, full-text versions of some Irish literary classics, and tables of contents (partial or complete) for Irish-studies
journals. Also, links to Irish-studies Centres and Associations world-wide and news of conferences, publications & literary events.
Irish history, farming history, and folklife DVDs - A series of documentaries on subjects such as Turf
Cutting in Ireland and Farming Down The Years. Preview clips can be viewed online, and the DVDs can by purchased by credit card or PayPal.
Genealogical Society of Ireland - devoted to the promotion of genealogy, heraldry and social history, this
organisation has its own archive and publishes a monthly newsletter, a quarterly journal and the Irish Genealogical Sources series.
Martin Breen Presents... - Books of genealogical and historical interest: reprints of books on the McNamara
and O'Brien families, and a guide to Doolin, Co. Clare.
Look Around Ireland A very useful tourist resource, with many maps including maps of scenic spots and
castles, and individual maps of counties. Also photographs of Irish scenery (prints avalable for sale), online videos and free screensavers. Also a
directory of accommodation, restaurants and pubs.
Discover Ireland Directory: A wide-ranging Irish-only directory, listing everything relevant to visitors
and inhabitants of Ireland alike. Categories include Art, Entertainment, Food and Drink, Accommodation, Travel, Business and Services.
52 Ireland Search engines 'A country-based search engine is specifically designed to tell you about
that country or region without giving you a lot of stuff you weren't interested in'.