Overview
All applicants for Excavation Licences should be knowledgeable about archaeology generally—and Irish archaeology in particular—and must be competent to carry out an archaeological excavation.
It is generally expected that prospective applicants will have a third-level qualification in archaeology (or in which archaeology is a substantial component), as well as practical experience in archaeological excavation.
We assess first-time licence applicants by means of a competency interview, so anyone wishing to apply for an Excavation Licence for the first time should contact us to arrange an interview.
How do I Apply for a Competency Interview?
Please complete the Excavation Licence Interview Application Form. Completed forms can be emailed to us at: nationalmonuments@housing.gov.ie
Use Excavation Licence Interview Application in your email subject line.
Interview panels are convened at regular intervals throughout the year, depending on the number of applications received.
Are there Exemptions from the Competency Interview requirement?
Archaeologists from European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) member states who wish to carry out archaeological excavations in Ireland on a temporary or occasional basis can apply for an exemption from the interview requirement.
They must submit a written declaration (which must include specified supporting documentation) to us either in advance of or accompanying their first licence application. This declaration must be renewed or updated each year.
Please see our detailed Information Note and Procedures document to find out more about this process.