Research Bodies

Organisations involved in archaeological research

• ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY - The premier Irish learned society, founded in 1785 to promote the study of Science, Polite Literature and Antiquities. In addition to producing a range of publications which include a number of books on archaeological topics, the Academy has a library (open to non-members) with holdings ranging from the most up-to-date books and journals to some of the most important early Irish manuscripts. The website also gives details of the Academy's research grants, a full list of current members, information on committees and collaborative projects, and an account of the Proceedings, Section C of which is devoted to archaeology and history.



• The DISCOVERY PROGRAMME is a research organisation funded through the Heritage Council. Its purpose is to pursue advanced research in Irish archaeology and communicate the results, and to promote the introduction of new technologies and new techniques into the operation of Irish archaeology. The website gives short descriptions of the various research programmes, such as Medieval Rural Settlement, the Hill of Tara and the Western Stone Forts Project.There are also explanations of the equpment used by the project, such as a total station, terrestrial laser scanner, and helikite for low-level aerial photographs.



• GROUP FOR THE STUDY OF IRISH HISTORIC SETTLEMENT - Founded in 1969, the Group aims to examine the nature and development of Irish settlement, whether from the perspective of the historical geographer, archaeologist, architect or historian. The Group holds an annual conference, field trips, and thematic conferences, and publishes books, a bulletin and a journal (back issues of the latter are published on line). All who are interested in any aspect of Irish settlement history are welcome to join, and encouraged to participate actively.



• IRISH QUATERNARY ASSOCIATION (IQUA) (formerly the Irish Association for Quaternary Studies) - an association providing an interdisciplinary forum for specialists working on various aspects of the Quaternary period (the most recent geological period, essentially the Ice Age and after). Quaternary studies cover subjects ranging from archaeology to zoology. Membership is open to both amateurs and professionals.



• CELTIC INSCRIBED STONES PROJECT (CISP) - searchable on-line database of all known early mediaeval inscribed stones in the British Isles and Brittany. Includes every non-Runic inscription on a stone monument within Celtic-speaking areas dating from the period AD 400-1100. Old pages with description of project. The Celtic Inscribed Stones Project is based in the Department of History, and the Institute of Archaeology, University College London.



• The FRIENDS OF MEDIEVAL DUBLIN is an interdisciplinary group of scholars, both professional and avocational, dedicated to the study of Dublin from the ninth to the sixteenth centuries, and to presenting that information to the interested public. A yearly symposium has been held since 2000, and the proceedings are published in book form. The Friends have also been actively involved in attempting to save threatened archaeological remains, notably at Wood Quay and Carrickmines Castle. The website is somewhat sparse, with several pages unfinished or out of date. However, there is a list of sites excavated in Dublin, and a list of articles and books by members.
  The Friends are also on Facebook



• The IRISH POST-MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY GROUP was founded in 1999 to 'raise the profile of' the study of the post-1550 period and foster greater contacts between individuals researching that period. The website introduces the Group and provides news of activities and events.
  The Group is also on Facebook



• IRQUAS - THE IRISH QUATERNARY STUDIES ONLINE PROJECT - Website of an ambitious project which seems to have fallen by the wayside. The pages were all last updated in 2001. Irish archaeology, history, geography and much more. There are useful introductions to various subjects, and links to related discussion groups. The proposed databases of research projects (for example, a database of all excavated Irish ringforts) and a digital cartography project called HIPNO do not appear to have materialised.



• ENECLANN: RESEARCH AND CONSULTANCY FOR IRISH HISTORY - A professional research service, based in Trinity College, covering all periods of Irish history. One of their services is historical and architectural research into the history of houses and sites. They also provide archival services such as document imaging & scanning of rare collections of source material held in libraries, museums and archives.
  Eneclann are on Facebook



• FORUM FOR MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE STUDIES IN IRELAND - A virtual community of scholars who are located throughout Ireland; in addition to the forum discussion there is a peer-reviewed electronic journal called Oenach and members have profile papers with information on their research projects.