Burren Archaeology Festival

Welcome to the Burren Archaeology Festival 2025 - our inaugural celebration of the wonderful archaeology of the Burren.

On Saturday 21st, enjoy insightful talks on the latest archaeological findings in the Burren and on Sunday take part in an experimental archaeological activity day for all ages.

Saturday programme

10 - 4pm featuring the following talks;

Elaine Lynch The unexpected discoveries at a hut site in Ballyganner North, Co. Clare

Ros O Maolduin Through the Ages: Ritual and Burial in the Burren’s Wedge Tombs

Carleton Jones Deep history in western Ireland

Michael Lynch Investigating the Mesolithic Hunter Gatherers on the North-West Coast of Co. Clare.

Marion Dowd Going Underground: Prehistoric people and caves in the Burren.

Martin Fitzpatrick Battling the tide on Aughinish

Sunday programme

11am tour of Archaeological tour of Rathborney Church with Clodagh Lynch. Shuttle bus will depart Burren College of Art at 10.45 am. No parking at Rathborney Church.

11am to 4pm Day of experimental archaeology and family fun featuring;

Flint knapping demonstration, Replica artefact display and handling, Spinning demonstration, Ancient bread making techniques, Coil pot building, Osteology Stall and the BIG DIG (The Big Dig is suitable for kids aged 6 to 13 and its essential to book a timeslot).

Limited tickets available for both days.

The festival is run by Burrenbeo Trust and sponsored by the National Monument Service and ACRES Burren Aran with support from Clare County Council and the Heritage Council.