Archaeology, University of Galway

A little more info on the Maree dig...

'Rare' Neolithic tombs uncovered in Co Galway The rediscovery of a prehistoric tomb in Co Galway has led to the unearthing of another tomb next to it, hinting at the "complexity" of the culture of Ireland's first farming communities.

The Irish Neolithic has just gotten a new star find... an amethyst pendant bead. Well done to Hugh and Sue at our Maree excavation!

Caoimhe was very happy with her find of a Neolithic arrowhead today! Saving the best until last at the Maree dig...

The Maree dig-team held an open morning on Saturday - the sunny skies saw almost 200 community visitors through the gate over just three hours (Noel and Michelle were all talked out y the end!). The local interest and support is so encouraging.

Thanks to everyone for coming, including team volunteers Jenny, Paul, Sue, Frankie, Hugh, and Ski.

Another crew of students and volunteers saw a sunny end to their stint on the Maree excavation today (though some are staying on) - thanks everyone!

Maree microlith? Signs of use at the tip...

The Royal Irish Academy (RIA) in association with the Department of Foreign Affairs has announced the six shortlisted titles for the 2026 Michel Déon Prize for non-fiction.

Our very own Prof. John Waddell is among the shortlisted authors with his book The Celtic World: A History, published by Four Courts Press. A well deserved accolade!

The Celtic World: A History is a historical exploration of how our understanding of the ancient Celts and the concept of a European-wide world inhabited by Celtic-speaking peoples developed over time. The study of this Celtic past has often been a disputed and debated territory and for centuries the true story of these Celtic-speakers of old was obscured by fanciful origin myths. Their origins and subsequent history were slowly revealed when linguistic studies and archaeological discoveries in the nineteenth century began to expose a rich and complex narrative that is still being clarified today.

Normal prehistoric service resumed at the Maree dig today - with the first stone axe...

Chronologically confused (likely Early Medieval) dress-pin shaft from the prehistoric dig in Maree today. Nice find, Rosemary!