Prof. Thomas Kador
​(University College London)

The paradox of community archaeology: lessons for Ireland (Keynote Lecture)

There is a great level of interest in archaeological discoveries, and heritage more generally, among many cross sections of the Irish population. However, over the past 30 years, archaeology, in Ireland and elsewhere, has become highly professionalised and increasingly high tech. Where does this leave local enthusiasts wanting to investigate ‘their’ heritage? What about the attitudes of professional archaeologists and decision makers towards popular enthusiasm? Drawing on examples from Ireland and abroad, in this lecture I will consider whether there is room for a middle ground between these two sides, and if so, what it might be.

Thomas has been working on developing community-based approaches to archaeology and heritage (especially in Ireland) for the past decade. He holds a BA, MA and PhD from University College Dublin, teaches at University College London and is Associate Editor for the Journal of Community Archaeology and Heritage.