11th Annual Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists (EAA)

The largest ever gathering of international archaeologists to be held in Ireland, is taking place in Cork from the 7th until 11th of September 2005 as Cork City Council and University College Cork play host to the 11th Annual Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists (EAA).

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Clune officially opened the event on Wednesday 7th September 2005. This was followed by a welcoming address by Mr Batt O’Keffee, Minister of State, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. This prestigious event, which is being held for the first time in Ireland, provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the best of Irish archaeology to the world.

The Lord Mayor, Cllr. Deirdre Clune, photographed at the opening of the 11th Annual Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists

The 11th Annual Meeting of the European Association of Ireland has been organised by representatives of all the major bodies involved in the teaching and management of archaeology in Ireland. Sponsors include Cork City Council and the various organisations associated with heritage and archaeology in Ireland.

The importance of this unique meeting is reflected by the large number of international delegates attending the event and the quantity and range of archaeological issues which will be debated. Up to 800 archaeologists from Europe, the United States, Canada and Asia will participate in the meeting, thus making it the most significant gathering of archaeologists ever in Ireland. Over 400 papers will be delivered by international scholars and approximately 60 sessions and round table discussions will take place over the three day period of the meeting.

The City Manager, Joe Gavin, addressing the Conference

The keynote address will be given by Professor P.C. Woodman, Professor of Archaeology at University College Cork and is entitled “Playing Catchup”. Throughout the meeting delegates will discuss theoretical aspects of archaeology, the interpretation of archaeology and the management of the archaeological heritage. Under these core headings delegates will be treated to a eclectic range of sessions which will include topics such as ‘Research in a time of Development led Archaeology’ , ‘Roads and Archaeology’, ‘The Popular appeal of archaeology in the media and popular culture’, ‘Globalisation for archaeologists - Bologna and the consequences’, and ‘Burial monuments as social signals’.

Dr Elizabeth Twohig, Chair of the Scientific Committee said,

“We are delighted to provide a platform where Irish and International delegates can share and exchange information on a wide range of archaeology issues. It is our hope that the bringing together of the international archaeology community will allow for the collective development of ideas which will enhance the field of archaeology”.

To highlight that archaeology is not exclusive to archaeologists, Cork City Council in association with the European Association of Archaeologists has organised two free public lectures which will take place in the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery at 8 p.m. on the 8th and 9th of September. The lectures are respectively entitled ‘The Archaeology of Irish Towns in a European Context’ and ‘The National Roads Programme in Co. Cork: A Fascinating Journey of Archaeological Discovery’. A free demonstration of replica Irish prehistoric musical instruments will also take place at 2.30 p.m. on the 10th September near the Main Quadrangle of University College Cork.

Members of the public can gain an added insight into Cork heritage and history by availing of free guided archaeology walking tours of Cork City. The tours will take place at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday 9th September and will be led by archaeologists who have been excavating in Viking and Medieval Cork. For further information on the public lectures and to pre- book tickets for the walking tours email eaa2005@corkcity.ie or write to EAA Cork 2005, Planning Department, Cork City Council, Navigation House, Albert Quay, Cork.

For Further information please contact,
Eimear O’Brien, 021 4397707/ 086 8900364/ eimearobr@gmail.com

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