'A first for Ireland' - Historic archaeological dig to begin on Offaly site

The Irish Archaeological Field School are set to commence a dig at the Crinkill Barracks in partnership with local historian Stephen Callaghan and Offaly County Council.

The group will excavate World War I era trenches at the barracks. The barracks was an important garrison situated a mile outside Birr.

The barracks was the depot for the famous Leinster Regiment and during the Great War, a number of practice trenches were dug in the adjoining training grounds, the Fourteen Acres.

These trenches, which will now be searched for, would have prepared the men of the regiment for what would be waiting for them on the Western Front. Very little is known about the trenches and this will be the first time they have been uncovered and recorded. 

The dig will be a community project so people can go along to learn and watch the archaeologists in action on the site. It will be the first of its kind in the Republic of Ireland and will take place during Birr Vintage Week from Monday, August 6 to Friday, August 10.

If you are interested in volunteering at the dig, you can get more information through info@iafs.ie. Equipment and supervision will be provided. 

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