The Discovery Programme
Encyclopedia
The Discovery Programme a public institution for advanced research in Irish archaeology
. As distinct from the other public bodies that deal with Irish archaeology
, the Discovery Programme’s sole activity is to engage in full-time archaeological and related research, in order to enhance our knowledge of Ireland’s past. Our only other concerns are to communicate the results of that research, as appropriate, to scholars and the general public, and to promote the introduction of new technologies and new techniques into Irish archaeology.
The Discovery Programme was set up in 1991 and was funded initially by the government through direct grants. Now, as an independent body, it is mainly funded by an annual grant from the Heritage Council
.
The Discovery Programme undertakes to answer, through investigative research projects, questions in Irish archaeology that arise from time to time. The organisation is governed by a Council and Directorate whose members comprise leading Irish archaeologists from the whole of the country (north and south).
The Discovery Programme is an archaeological research institution. Its primary aim is through archaeological and related research, to work towards a coherent and comprehensive picture of human life in Ireland from earliest times. Its second aim is to publish the results of this research, scientifically and in ways which can be appreciated by the general public.
In May 1992, the Discovery Programme (established originally on 11 May 1991) published its first booklet The Discovery Programme -Strategies and Questions. This set out the future work for the organisation. It included, as part of its general strategy, the intention 'to identify those major research questions which can most rewardingly be addressed by co-ordinated programmes of research.'
The Programme decided that, initially, it would emphasise a 'core period' for research. The Late Bronze Age and Iron Age
were chosen as it was felt that 'this period and the various transitions and intrusions that took place within it should be better understood, in particular the emergence of a complex Celtic society'. This was the background to the setting up of the four initial main projects, The Western Stone Forts Project, The Ballyhoura Hills Project and The North Munster
Project, all of which are currently in their final phases, and the Tara
Survey, which was completed and published in 1997.
The Discovery Programme initiated two new research projects in 2001 which are more thematically based. These are investigating Medieval Rural Settlement and Lake Settlement in Ireland
. Both projects are based on the results of feasibility studies begun in 1997 and published in 1998.
Archaeology
Archaeology, or archeology , is the study of human society, primarily through the recovery and analysis of the material culture and environmental data that they have left behind, which includes artifacts, architecture, biofacts and cultural landscapes...
. As distinct from the other public bodies that deal with Irish archaeology
Archaeology
Archaeology, or archeology , is the study of human society, primarily through the recovery and analysis of the material culture and environmental data that they have left behind, which includes artifacts, architecture, biofacts and cultural landscapes...
, the Discovery Programme’s sole activity is to engage in full-time archaeological and related research, in order to enhance our knowledge of Ireland’s past. Our only other concerns are to communicate the results of that research, as appropriate, to scholars and the general public, and to promote the introduction of new technologies and new techniques into Irish archaeology.
The Discovery Programme was set up in 1991 and was funded initially by the government through direct grants. Now, as an independent body, it is mainly funded by an annual grant from the Heritage Council
Heritage Council
The National Heritage Council is an organisation created by the Irish government to "propose policies and priorities for the identification, protection, preservation and enhancement of the national heritage."...
.
The Discovery Programme undertakes to answer, through investigative research projects, questions in Irish archaeology that arise from time to time. The organisation is governed by a Council and Directorate whose members comprise leading Irish archaeologists from the whole of the country (north and south).
The Discovery Programme is an archaeological research institution. Its primary aim is through archaeological and related research, to work towards a coherent and comprehensive picture of human life in Ireland from earliest times. Its second aim is to publish the results of this research, scientifically and in ways which can be appreciated by the general public.
In May 1992, the Discovery Programme (established originally on 11 May 1991) published its first booklet The Discovery Programme -Strategies and Questions. This set out the future work for the organisation. It included, as part of its general strategy, the intention 'to identify those major research questions which can most rewardingly be addressed by co-ordinated programmes of research.'
The Programme decided that, initially, it would emphasise a 'core period' for research. The Late Bronze Age and Iron Age
Iron Age
The Iron Age is the archaeological period generally occurring after the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of such material coincided with other changes in society, including differing...
were chosen as it was felt that 'this period and the various transitions and intrusions that took place within it should be better understood, in particular the emergence of a complex Celtic society'. This was the background to the setting up of the four initial main projects, The Western Stone Forts Project, The Ballyhoura Hills Project and The North Munster
Munster
Munster is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the south of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial purposes...
Project, all of which are currently in their final phases, and the Tara
Hill of Tara
The Hill of Tara , located near the River Boyne, is an archaeological complex that runs between Navan and Dunshaughlin in County Meath, Leinster, Ireland...
Survey, which was completed and published in 1997.
The Discovery Programme initiated two new research projects in 2001 which are more thematically based. These are investigating Medieval Rural Settlement and Lake Settlement in Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
. Both projects are based on the results of feasibility studies begun in 1997 and published in 1998.