Community Archaeology in Ireland: Less Mitigator, More Mediator?

Abstract

This paper looks at a range of not-for-profit community archaeology projects in Ireland. The period since the economic crisis of 2008 has been a challenging period for the Irish archaeological profession. Typically, archaeological practice has a three-point relationship between the developer, the regulator in the form of government and the professional archaeologist, whether as practitioner or private company. Since the economic crisis, there has been a growing interest in community involvement in archaeological heritage projects. This paper sets out a number of case studies and employs a framework to examine the relationship between professionals and energetic communities. This finds that there are emerging patterns which offer opportunities for the care and management of monuments and which can also generate knowledge. This intersection of archaeological knowledge, community energy and a sense of place is, if done in a sustainable manner and with respect for all involved, a powerful means by which archaeology can contribute to society.