What to Bring
Suggested Packing List
ESSENTIALS
Passport.
Cash for personal use. Suggested €100/week would cover incidentals excluding weekend travel and hostels/B&Bs. Remember that you can take money out of ATMs; there is a small charge every time you do this. Many banks in the US will acquire Euros for you beforehand, but it may take a week or two.
UK-rated three-pin adapter plugs to accommodate the US plugs. Ireland also only operates 220v; the 120v US voltage will not work solo (while tablets and laptops are all 'intelligent' in this, hair dryers, etc., are not, so do not bring them).
All prescription drugs should be carried with you. Do not pack needed medicine in your luggage; keep them in your carry-on.
Student identification, if applicable.
APPAREL
Rainwear. Raincoat is a MUST; rainpants are optional. Rachel packs two raincoats (one for the field that will get dirty and one for out of the field).
Workpants & quick-dry clothes for fieldwork. Packing for hiking/camping and packing for doing archaeology are the same. Think of clothes that will offer protection from the elements but will be comfortable for moving around. Durable work pants are required. (3-4 Sets)
Layers. Weather in Ireland (like the Bay Area) can change quickly. The morning can be 50 and rainy, the afternoon sunny and 85. Layers are your friend. Pack warm layers, like a fleece or sweatshirt, along with more moderate temperature layers, like long-sleeved shirts, and clothing for warmer weather, like t-shirts. (3-5 sets)
Footwear.
Hiking shoes/boots: For fieldwork, you must wear sturdy closed-toe shoes. NO OPEN-TOED SHOES IN THE FIELD.
Walking shoes/sneakers: Beyond fieldwork, we will be doing lots of walking around and exploring in Ireland. Though hiking shoes can be perfectly suitable, if you would prefer comfy sneakers for more town/city strolling, please bring them.
Slippers/sandals/flip-flops: It is nice to keep your feet warm around the house, as your shoes will get muddy from the outside and can not be worn inside the house. Andrew likes to bring slippers!
Nicer shoes: If you would like, bring a pair of nicer or dressier shoes for polite company. This leads to the next item:
One nice outfit. This does not need to be a three-piece suit, but one reasonably nice outfit is generally a good idea, as we will celebrate various events with Ballintober Village, and you might like to look a bit spiffier.
Hats for both scorching heat and intemperate/evening chill.
Loungewear, if you would like, for comfort around the house in the evenings (1 set).
Pajamas (1-2 sets).
Underwear and socks. Durable and warm (7-10 sets).
(Optional) Swim-suits for the venturesome and weekend forayers, and for the seaweed-bathers (If you want to swim in a public pool, you need a swim cap).
(Optional) Rainboots, aka Wellies. These are bulky to pack and may be best purchased here. €10 will get a simple, practical boot. The project also has a limited stockpile of rainboots from previous years, which can help in a pinch, but don't count on it!
(Optional) Work gloves. Some archaeologists prefer wearing gloves (like the kind you would wear for gardening), and some do not.
OTHER
(Optional) Toiletries. Bring any home brands you prefer, though you will be able to purchase anything you need on the second day of the project for those who are worried about packing space.
(Optional) Water bottle. Again you can buy one in Ireland.
Backpack. For daily use. Also, many project members find waterproof covers for backpacks (like this) extremely useful.
(Optional) Tools. The project will supply all required tools. If you would like to bring personal tools (i.e., a trowel), you are welcome to do so, but be advised that trowels are generally not permitted in carry-on bags (Andrew learned this the hard way). Again, you are not required to bring any tools.
DO NOT BRING
Bed linens. These will be provided.
Towel.
Sleeping bag. If you do, against our wishes, you will need to bring it away with you.