ProspectHill Neolithic Court and Portal Tomb Archaeology Dig-Ireland

Work on Prospecthill began in 2026 with archaeologists Drs. Noel McCarthy and Michelle Comber. The team have been working to identify and excavate ancient sites on the Maree Peninsula to shed light on burial and ritual traditions among Ireland’s earliest farming communities.

In 2026, work began to excavate an Early Neolithic (3700-3500 BC) court tomb but excavations revealed something unexpected. Alongside the court tomb was a portal tomb, with both dating to about 6,000 years ago. Prospecthill is the only known example in Ireland where both types of tombs have been found together. In 2026, ancient human bones were discovered in the portal tomb and the initial analysis indicates that the bones were from a very large male, and there were at least six individuals interred within.

Excavations have also revealed stone tools, prehistoric pottery, cremated remains, and an unusual amethyst pendant unlike any previously discovered at an Irish megalithic site.​

Your work at Prospecthill takes place over the course of five days, where you will immerse yourself in the excavation, collection and study of artefacts, and recording of features at a site with a 6,000-year history.

You will be hands-on in the quest to unearth both the court tomb and portal tomb found at this site, along with artifacts dating from Early Neolithic Ireland. This five day excavation includes training in archaeological excavation and archaeological recording. This will allow you to immerse yourself in the excavation, collection and study of everything from artefacts to large features dating from the Irish Neolithic, the era of the first farmers. Your work will contribute to researchers’ understanding of this area’s native settlement, economics, and politics through time. Post-excavation analyses will include aDNA and isotope analyses to assess the relevance of the Prospecthill evidence in broader Irish and European spheres. Your finds will join the collections at the National Museum of Ireland.

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In 2027, alongside archaeologists Dr. Noel McCarthy and Dr. Michelle Comber, you will assist in excavation of the central area of the monument and complete excavation of the court tomb.

During your 5-day excavation, your days will consist of:
Working with site directors, Dr. Noel McCarthy and Dr. Michelle Comber.
Archaeological fieldwork begins at 9am and ends at 5pm each day.
You’ll break for mid-morning and lunch (It’s time to find your hearty packed lunch and enjoy a well-deserved break to your day.)
At about 5pm each day, your driver will be waiting for you to escort you back to the hotel.​

In 2027, choose from THREE DIFFERENT DIG WEEKS starting June 27, July 4 or July 11.​​​​