What to Expect/Bring

So you decided you want to participate in the program....now what?

First, you want to contact Samuel Connell and make arrangements with him (if you haven't already). His contact information can be found on the Project Contacts tab.

Students live in the vllage of Ballintobber for the month of the project. The project rent homes for the students so you will be living and working directly with the community. It is the same vilage that the castle is located in. The community there is very friendly and welcoming as you will find out quickly during your first days there. 

REMINDERS: 

Sam sends email blasts every few weeks leading up to the start of the project. READ THOSE! They are lengthy but full of very important information. Don't make the mistake of skimming through it quickly and missing an important part. Below are a few other steps to get you prepared for your Ireland adventure: 

• Read the emails carefully - and if they require a response from you, do so quickly!
• Check to make sure you have a valid passport (and apply for one/renew yours ASAP if you don’t)
• Decide your arrival and departure dates.
• Join the Facebook page, introduce yourself and start to network for traveling together with others.
• Start looking for flights
• Book your flights and email Sam your full itinerary
• Submit a check for the full program fees and the second signed waiver by June 1, 2017
• Bookmark the Program website and this blog! (updates will be made frequently)
• Email us any questions you have
• Be on the lookout for more email blasts!
• Remind your friends who want to come that spots are limited and to decide quickly or contact us if they have any questions!

WHAT TO PACK: 

The project is in Ireland. It will always rain at some point throughout the day. You will see all four seasons in one day so as common as it is to hear, it is all about the layers! Check out the list below to come prepared: 

• Wellingtons - rubber boots (hiking boots will get wet)
• Rain gear - water proof not just water resistant (Remember, it rains every. single. day.)
• Good work pants - you will get dirty, remember it is an archaeological project
• Work shirts - layers
• Nice pants (or normal clothing that isn't going to be covered in mud)
• Nice tops
• Walking shoes - we go on field trips and you also don't want to wearing your Wellies all day
• Work gloves
• Day pack to carry items to work
• Underwear/socks 
• Towel

As Sam said: "This brings up the ‘how much to pack?’ question.  Speaking from experience, NOT MUCH.  You always realize that you really don’t need that much stuff, and you’ll be in a place where you can buy pretty much anything.  There will be a laundry service that we provide for you, so you’ll need field clothes and then relaxing clothes, probably two changes of each. So that isn’t much, especially if you want to travel around afterwards, your really don’t want to be lugging around a big suitcase."

I (Cristyna, project staff member) in addition to bringing work clothes and relaxing clothes, I would also suggest bringing a change or two of nice clothes. The town likes to throw welcoming/good-bye parties and as you will find out, they love to get dressed up. But don't overpack either, bring your favorite clothes that you feel comfortable in but also feel nice! Also, remember to try and bring clothes that don't wrinkle too easily. 

The only currency used in the Republic of Ireland is the EURO (No. Ireland is the British Pound) If you can get a small amount of Euro before you leave, that is great.  After that use your credit/debit Card....the easiest way to manage your money.  There are plenty of ATM machine in Ireland (and airport).  MasterCard and Visa are almost universally accepted. TELL YOUR BANK you are going to Ireland, and give them the dates. 

If you forget something (ie. toothpaste etc) Ireland has everything you would ever want or need.  Most stores are open from 9 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday. Some store are open between 12 am and 6 pm on Sunday. 

Pubs are open from 10:30 am to 12:30 am on Friday and Saturday and until 11:30 pm on other nights.  Some pubs with music stay open until 2 am. 

Banks are open Monday - Friday 10 am to 4 pm.  In small towns like ours banks often close for lunch.

Electricity:  voltage in Ireland is twice that in the U.S. at 220v.  Also there is a 3 pin configuration of plugs....so for appliances (hair dryers etc) that work on 110v you'll need a converter/transformer  and a plug adapter to be able to use your item.

BUS FROM DUBLIN AIRPORT

An Air Coach leaves every 15 minutes and cost 7 euros.  It goes to City Center and vice versa (www.aircoach.ie)