Archer Heritage
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Archer Heritage Planning Ltd are trusted archaeological & cultural heritage consultants. Our extensive range of professional services include archaeological constraint studies, impact assessments, site investigations (test trenching, monitoring & excavation), historical building survey, geophysical survey, topographical & photogrammetric survey and Environmental Impact Assessments Reports (EIAR).
We are experienced archaeological project managers on a diverse range of archaeological projects. Whether it’s infrastructural projects or strategic development plans, single-builds or site-specific management plans, we deliver quality results. On time. Every time.

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Services

Impact Assessment/EIAR
Planning authorities or developers frequently require baseline archaeological and historical data on a site for planning purposes.
Developers may also want to know the potential archaeological implications of purchasing a site.

Desk-based information gathering is typically the first stage of an archaeological assessment. Assessments typically compile and analyse data from different sources, for example:

  • Local & national archaeological, artefactual, architectural databases
  • Historical mapping
  • Aerial & satellite imagery
  • Bibliographical and local historical information
  • Published, peer-reviewed archaeological research
  • Unpublished excavation reports
  • Geophysical and geotechnical reports
  • Any other relevant datasets

All our initial constraint studies include a comprehensive site inspection to assess current site condition as well as other possible constraints. Once the desk-based study is complte, other stages may be necessary, for example, geophysical survey, testing, monitoring and excavation.

Impact Assessment/EIAR
Impact Assessment/EIAR
Planning authorities or developers frequently require baseline archaeological and historical data on a site for planning purposes.

Developers may also want to know the potential archaeological implications of purchasing a site.

Desk-based information gathering is typically the first stage of an archaeological assessment. Assessments typically compile and analyse data from different sources, for example:

  • Local & national archaeological, artefactual, architectural databases
  • Historical mapping
  • Aerial & satellite imagery
  • Bibliographical and local historical information
  • Published, peer-reviewed archaeological research
  • Unpublished excavation reports
  • Geophysical and geotechnical reports
  • Any other relevant datasets

All our initial constraint studies include a comprehensive site inspection to assess current site condition as well as other possible constraints. Once the desk-based study is complte, other stages may be necessary, for example, geophysical survey, testing, monitoring and excavation.

Geophysics
Archaeological geophysics refer to a number of proximal, non-intrusive electromagnetic investigation techniques that can map buried archaeological deposits.

Currently, we use a dual magnetic gradiometer to quickly identify magnetic signatures associated with buried archaeological features. This allows us to  target our test trenches on specific archaeological features. If other types of geophysical investigation are required, we can help there too.

Geophysics
Geophysics
Archaeological geophysics refer to a number of proximal, non-intrusive electromagnetic investigation techniques that can map buried archaeological deposits.

Currently, we use a dual magnetic gradiometer to quickly identify magnetic signatures associated with buried archaeological features. This allows us to  target our test trenches on specific archaeological features. If other types of geophysical investigation are required, we can help there too.

Testing
Planning authorities often seek additional information on archaeological potential beyond that contained in desk-based or geophysical studies.

The next stage of the process usually involve the excavation of test trenches. In Ireland, any excavation for archaeological purposes must be agreed
in advance with the National Monuments Service. Trench layout is generally informed by the extent of a proposed development or based on the results desk-based research or geophysical survey. We typically try to investigate >10% of a site to provide assurance to planners, managers and developers on the archaeological remains within a site.

Our 2 m wide trenches are mechanically excavated in spits to the top of the first archaeological layer encountered (or to subsoil).
Our trenches are dug by experienced archaeologists who make detailed records on the extent, depth and nature of any archeological features they encounter.

Based on the outcome of test trenching, additional works may be necessary.

Testing
Testing

Planning authorities often seek additional information on archaeological potential beyond that contained in desk-based or geophysical studies.

The next stage of the process usually involve the excavation of test trenches. In Ireland, any excavation for archaeological purposes must be agreed
in advance with the National Monuments Service. Trench layout is generally informed by the extent of a proposed development or based on the results desk-based research or geophysical survey. We typically try to investigate >10% of a site to provide assurance to planners, managers and developers on the archaeological remains within a site.

Our 2 m wide trenches are mechanically excavated in spits to the top of the first archaeological layer encountered (or to subsoil).
Our trenches are dug by experienced archaeologists who make detailed records on the extent, depth and nature of any archeological features they encounter.

Based on the outcome of test trenching, additional works may be necessary.

 

Excavation

Excavation is usually required where a proposed development encounters archaeological remains that cannot be preserved in-situ.
In such cases, the National Monumnets Service will issue a licence to excavate, and preserve by record, all archaeological features impacted by development.

Excavation is the systematic removal of archaeological material in a structured and fully-documentet manner.
Site records (written, photographic, digital) are ultimately archived with the National Monuments Service, while finds are deposited with the National Museum of Ireland.

The stratigraphic, artefactual and palaeo-environmental evidence is compiled, analysed and interpreted and outlined in a detailed, illustrated report.

Excavation
Excavation

Excavation is usually required where a proposed development encounters archaeological remains that cannot be preserved in-situ.
In such cases, the National Monumnets Service will issue a licence to excavate, and preserve by record, all archaeological features impacted by development.

Excavation is the systematic removal of archaeological material in a structured and fully-documentet manner.
Site records (written, photographic, digital) are ultimately archived with the National Monuments Service, while finds are deposited with the National Museum of Ireland.

The stratigraphic, artefactual and palaeo-environmental evidence is compiled, analysed and interpreted and outlined in a detailed, illustrated report.

Monitoring
Archaeological monitoring may be required as a stand alone condition, may be recommended following an archaeological assessment, or as additional mitigation following test trenching or excavation. Monitoring involves observing groundworks during construction stage (topsoil stripping, foundation/ trench excavation).

It may also be necessary during certain forestry operations. Typically an archaeologist will observe groundworks until the risk of
exposing archaeological material passes. Monitoring is carried out by a suitably qualified archaeologist.

Monitoring
Monitoring

Archaeological monitoring may be required as a stand alone condition, may be recommended following an archaeological assessment, or as additional mitigation following test trenching or excavation. Monitoring involves observing groundworks during construction stage (topsoil stripping, foundation/ trench excavation).

It may also be necessary during certain forestry operations. Typically an archaeologist will observe groundworks until the risk of
exposing archaeological material passes. Monitoring is carried out by a suitably qualified archaeologist.

Post-ex services

We offer a range of post-excavation and analytical services to interpret archaeological sites including:

  • Flotation & processing of bulk environmental samples.
  • Processing of artefacts.
  • Osteo-archaeological reports.
  • Close-up photography

Additional services, for example radiocarbon dating or laboratory-based analysis, can be quickly procured from our extensive network of specialist providers.

Post-excavation
Post-excavation

We offer a range of post-excavation and analytical services to interpret archaeological sites including:

  • Flotation & processing of bulk environmental samples.
  • Processing of artefacts.
  • Osteo-archaeological reports.
  • Close-up photography

Additional services, for example radiocarbon dating or laboratory-based analysis, can be quickly procured from our extensive network of specialist providers.

Topographical Survey
We provide topographical surveying services to record and reproduce detailed 3D models of archaeological sites & monuments.

We use drones for wide-area photogrammetric surveys, and to create high resolution orthomosaics of our works at different stages.

Using GIS and photogrammetric software, we can quickly create accurate topographic plans, contour surveys, hillshade and local topography models to help identify low-visibility, potential archaeological sites.

Topographical Survey
Topographical Survey
We provide topographical surveying services to record and reproduce detailed 3D models of archaeological sites & monuments.
We use survey-grade GNSS to capture elevation data in high resolution, and to position and locate our excavation trenches.
We use drones for wide-area photogrammetric surveys and to create high resolution orthomosaics of our works at different stages.

Using GIS/ photogrammetric software we can quickly create accurate topographic plans, contour surveys, hillshade and local topography models
to help identify low-visibility, potential archaeological sites.

Featured Work

  • Butlers Gallery, Co. Kilkenny
    Excavation at a Victorian period charitable home (Evans’ Home) revealed structures
    belonging to a medieval priory and remains of an eighteenth-century Infantry Barracks.
    Learn More
  • Carrigaline, Co. Cork
    Excavation ofprehistoric and early medieval sites surrounding Carrigaline, Co. Cork.
    Learn More
  • Collon, Co. Louth
    Excavation of an early Bronze Age cremation cemetery on the banks of the Mattock River.
    Learn More
  • Dragoonhill, Co. Wicklow
    Excavation of an early medieval enclosed settlement overlooking
    St. Kevin’s Road, a medieval pilgrimage route to Glendalough.
    Learn More
  • Kildare Town, Co. Kildare
    Rescue excavation of a medieval inhumation cemetery outside the medieval town of Kildare.
    Learn More
  • Deanery Gardens, Co. Waterford
    Excavation of Viking and late medieval levels on the site of Waterford Medieval Museum.
    Learn More

Select Clients

Testimonials

Orla Scully, Project Archaeologist for Waterford City Council

I have no hesitation in recommending Archer Heritage Planning for archaeological services. The company are reliable and adept at problem solving. A complex site with inherent logistic problems for soil removal was resolved with excellent results.

Orla Scully, Project Archaeologist for Waterford City Council

Ray Conway, Fingal County Council.

I found Archer Heritage Planning to be professional and thorough, anticipating and solving problems and providing a comprehensible report. Everything moved along smoothly and as agreed.

Ray Conway, Fingal County Council

Esmonde O’Briain, Director, O’Briain Beary Architects.

Archer Heritage Planning completed a comprehensive investigation and report that addressed all of the issues raised by the Planning Authority. They worked to a tighter times-cale than that proposed by other tenderers. We would welcome the opportunity to work with AHP again.

Esmonde O'Briain, Director, O'Briain Beary Architects

Evelyn Graham, Architect, Kilkenny County Council

Archer efficiently delivered a range of services on this important site, working closely with the design team to complete archaeological excavations, laser scans and aerial survey

Evelyn Graham, Architect, Kilkenny County Council

About us

We are a trusted archaeological consultancy based in Dublin and operating nationally. Working in close partnership with planners, architects, engineers, developers or resource managers, we provide cost-effective, practical solutions to help our clients achieve planning compliance and protect and enhance our archaeological heritage.
Established

2009

We were established in 2009 and quickly became a leading provider of quality archaeological and cultural heritage services. Over 10-years we are still here because our clients know we are focused on delivering their projects.

Completed projects

500 +

… and counting! Our work has brought us all over Ireland, from Wattstown, Co. Londonderry to Annascaul, Co. Kerry and hundreds of places in between. It doesn’t matter where you are or what your project is, we can help.

Our expertise

6+ staff

Archaeology isn’t just excavation. We are also experts in historic building survey, CAD & GIS, archaeological geophysics, remote sensing, topographical survey, 3-D photogrammetry and laser scanning (LiDAR) and human & animal osteology.

Latest News

6 +

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Say Hello

Address:
8 Beat Centre, Stephenstown,
Balbriggan, Co. Dublin

Email: info@archerheritage.ie

Phone: +353-1-8020403

We are Archer Heritage Planning

Aidan O’Connell BA MIAI MIFA
aidan@archerheritage.ie
+353 87 3938482
Ciaran McGuinness CPA MBA
ciaran@archerheritage.ie
+353 87 9830910
Rob O’Hara PhD MSc MA
info@archerheritage.ie
+353 87 2968309
Liam Coen BA PGC GIS MIAI
liam@archerheritage.ie
+353 86 8476002
Maeve McCormick BA, MSc MIAI
maeve@archerheritage.ie
+353 87 9782677
Bart Korfanty BA MA
bart@archerheritage.ie
+353 85 1681733
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