MrConor McDermott

My main research interests focus on wetland landscapes and chronology, waterlogged wood and wood working, archaeological recording, publishing and illustration. I am also interested in the principles and practice of Archaeology with particular reference to methodologies and objectives of surveys and excavation. As part of my role within the School I contribute to the management of existing research projects such as the publication of excavations at Ballyglass and Behy court tombs, Co. Mayo and the Rath of the Synods at Tara, Co. Meath. I also participate in the design and management of new research projects undertaken by other members of staff and in securing funding for research proposals. Current Research Project Details: Glendalough, Co. Wicklow - Since 2009 UCD School of Archaeology have been conducting a programme of investigations in Glendalough Valley, Co. Wicklow as part of our annual Field School for undergraduate students. The programme focuses on aspects of the landscape, prehistoric and industrial heritage of the Glendalough Valley that formed the context of the major monastic site as it developed and as it is seen today. A range of methods are being employed including survey, environmental sampling, geophysical survey, GIS modelling and targeted excavation. The School is pleased to acknowledge the cooperation of the Office of Public Works and the National Parks and Wildlife Service , Wicklow Mountains National Park and National Monuments Service of the Department of Arts, Heritage and The Gaeltacht and Wicklow County Council in undertaking the project which forms part of the School's Landscapes and Environment research cluster. Wetland Archaeology and Chronology - this is a group of ongoing projects related to the earlier work of the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit targeted at a number of specific themes: The environmental context of an Iron Age wooden vessel at Toar Bog, Co. Westmeath with Dr Gill Plunkett (QUB) , Cara Murray and Eileen Reilly (TCD); Critical assessment of the role of environment in determining past wetland activity with Dr Gill Plunkett (QUB) , Dr Graeme Swindles (University of Bradford) & David Brown (QUB) ; The archaeology of Irish Iron Age wetlands with Dr Gill Plunkett (QUB) , Michael Stanley (NRA), Cara Murray and Cathy Moore (freelance archaeologists). Early Medieval Archaeology Project (EMAP) - aims to enable access to emerging archaeological data and thus to create new understandings of the landscapes, environments, technologies and social identities of the peoples of Ireland, AD 400-1100. The multinational, interdisciplinary research team consists of members from UCD School of Archaeology and other institutions. The project has received funding from UCD Seed Funding, The Heritage Council and in 2008 it received significant funding under the Heritage Council's INSTAR funding scheme for which I am Project Manager. St. Kevin's, Road, Brockagh townland, Co. Wicklow - these projects are being undertaken on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and have included seasons of excavation in 2005 and 2006 on a medieval pilgrim's road near the Wicklow Gap. The line of the road has been traced leading to the Gap and three cuttings were excavated revealing a substantial stone structure constructed of flagstones, gravel and sand. Post-excavation analysis is ongoing and will include dating the initial construction of the road. This project forms part of the School of Archaeology's King's River Valley research project within in the Landscapes, Seascapes & Wetlands Archaeology research cluster. UCD School of Archaeology Teaching Collection - the collection consists of over 2,500 objects from 15 countries ranging in date from the Palaeolithic to the modern period. Funded by the Heritage Council this project is producing the first comprehensive database of the collection to facilitate its use in teaching and research. It forms part of the Craft, Technology & Material Culture research cluster. Discovering the Archaeologists of Europe - UCD School of Archaeology has been appointed by the Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland (IAI) to undertake the Irish component of this international project under the umbrella of the European Association of Archaeologists (EAA) and lead by the Institute for Archaeologists (IfA) in the UK. The study focuses on the need for transparency in archaeological qualifications across Europe and is funded internationally by the European Commission's Leonardo II programme with national funding provided by the Heritage Council .