Gleann Cholm Cille (The Valley of St Columba) and the nearby valleys in southwest Donegal contain some of the most interesting prehistoric and early historic structures in Ireland (some would argue, in Europe). Monuments from the early Neolithic (c. 4000BC) onwards are dotted across this beautiful and informative landscape; among them the huge dolmens at Malinmore and the great court-tombs at Clochán Mór and Farranmacbride. The previous name of the valley—Senglenn (‘the old glen‘)—was very apt.

In medieval times (roughly AD500–1600) that name was changed to honour one of Ireland's best-loved saints: Colmcille (in Irish) or Columba (in Latin). Legends and folkore claim that the saint (c. AD520-593) came to the valley and founded a church there. An important legacy from that Christianisation is the surviving cluster of stone cross-slabs (some probably dating to around AD800) and other early ecclesiastical features around the valley. Another legacy is the famous turas ('pilgrimage') made around those sites; primarily on 9 June, the day the saint died—his feast-day.

This Summer School, based in such an appropriate location, is aimed at adults with an interest in the archaeology and ancient history of Ireland. No previous knowledge is required; merely a curiosity and a willingness to participate in outdoor sessions, studying the evidence of the monuments in their landscape context. Apart from the local monuments, the course will provide an introduction to the archaeology of Ireland in general.

The sites to be visited raise a number of sub-themes which will be pursued also in the discussions and lectures: (i) how the visible landscape is a ‘text’ to be read; (ii) the process of ‘conversion’ by which pagan Celtic Ireland became a vibrant Christian culture; (iii) the ethical and practical problems associated with the conservation and ‘restoring’ of ancient monuments or leaving them as ‘ruins’; and (iv) the degree to which the archaeology of the ancient world contributes evidence to the current debate on climate change.

Normally, day-time sessions are held outdoors at the monuments, with occasional visits to sites outside the glen. There will also be various evening activities—especially a number of background lectures—and, of course, time to enjoy the other attractions for which the glen is famous.

Please note: Participants are advised to have proper rain gear and strong walking boots.

School Director

A pioneering archaeologist, curator, and community leader, Paula Harvey has dedicated more than four decades to preserving and celebrating Ireland’s heritage. Paula began her career as an archaeologist in the early 1980s and served as Field Monument Officer with Donegal County Council, where she worked on the protection and interpretation of archaeological monuments throughout the county. She went on to become the first curator of Donegal County Museum, an institution she helped to establish with the County Council. A former lecturer in Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, she is also chair of Donegal GAP Heritage and History Group with the conservation of Doon Fort, part of the Heritage Council’s Adopt a Monument Ireland scheme, as their flagship project. The Heritage Council named Paula the National Heritage Week 2025 Heritage Hero in recognition of her dedicated work and volunteerism advocating for Donegal’s built and cultural heritage.

Background to the Summer School

The Gleann Cholm Cille Archaeology Summer School was established in 1985 by Fr James McDyer with Prof. Michael Herity, University College Dublin, acting as Director. Fr McDyer extolled the abundance of archaeological riches in Donegal thus: ‘Rarely has the uncouth hand been raised to deface the monuments here. Never has the march of progress been allowed to brush them irreverently aside’. Prof. Herity served as director until 2015. He sadly passed away on 22 January 2016: ‘Suaimhneas síoraí ar a anam’.

Dr Brian Lacey served as Course Director from 2016 until 2025. A former university lecturer and museum director in Derry, he oversaw the archaeological survey of Donegal (1979–83). From 1998 to 2012 he was CEO of the Discovery Programme, an institute for advanced research in Irish archaeology. Paula Harvey assisted as Co-Director since 2023.