This one-week accredited program teaches students how to excavate and assess human remains from the beautiful Birr Campus of County Offaly. The 'Dead Men Do Tell Tales' course is designed for students from a variety of backgrounds with an interest in osteoarchaeology and physical/forensic anthropology. This program (AN354) is run in partnership with Maynooth University and taught by experts in their fields.

Students will gain practical burial excavation experience (in a controlled staged environment) and have the opportunity to analyse archaeological skeletal remains during laboratory sessions. Topics covered during lab sessions include human and comparative osteology, determining sex, approximate age-at-death, living stature, identifying palaeopathological conditions, and understanding how these techniques are used in archaeological forensic contexts.

The course integrates field excavation and practical laboratory sessions with cultural heritage excursions. Staying with local families in homestay accommodation, this program also offers a deeply enriching cultural immersion, guaranteeing students a truly memorable experience.

Registration does not guarantee acceptance to the program, which is contingent on a reference check.

Once we have contacted your referee, and are happy with their reference, we will contact you with an official acceptance and payment link for a minimum payment of a €500 deposit.

Academic Credit: 7.5 ECTS (equivalent to 3-4 US semester credits)

Your program price includes the following:

- Full-board accommodation in County Offaly

- Full tuition including all instruction, workshops and excavation/post-excavation supervision

- At least one field trip to explore Ireland and material related to the course

- Maynooth University transcripts and credit for course AN354 'International Forensic Anthropology'

Please note that your costs do not include: any additional living expenses, your flight, cell phones and any local transport costs.

Further program information is available from [Maynooth University](https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/international/short-term-programmes/forensic-anthropology)

If you require any further information, please contact us at info@irishheritageschool.ie

March 2026 Session 1 - Forensic Anthropology: Dead Men Do Tell Tales - APPLY FOR FREE