Volunteers needed for excavation of WWI trenches

The Irish Archaelology Field School will be hosting a week-long community based excavation at Birr Barracks this August and they are looking for volunteers to take part.

Situated a mile outside the historic town of Birr in the village of Crinkill, the barracks was an important garrison and was the depot for the famous Leinster Regiment up until the 1920s.

During the Great War from 1914-1918, a series of practice trenches were dug in the adjoining training grounds, known as the Fourteen Acres. These trenches would have prepared the men for what would be waiting for them on the Western Front.

In collaboration with Offaly County Council, The Irish Archaelology Field School wish  to find and record these important mock trenches, of which little is known about. 

The dig will be the first of its kinds in the Republic of Ireland and will take place during Birr Vintage Week from Monday, August 6 to Friday, August 10 and is open to anyone interested in taking part.

If you are interested in volunteering for this dig and can spare a day or more, or would like more information, email info@iafs.ie. Equipment and supervision will be provided.