Denis joined the Birr 20|20 Vision Board, in the newly created role of Heritage Pillar in 2022, before being honoured to be appointed Chair in 2024.
Denis is a native of Wexford but long-term resident of Birr. He holds a Batchelor of Arts in Archaeology and History and a Master of Arts in Landscape Archaeology, both from University College Dublin. In 2014 he was awarded a Doctorate from Monash University (Melbourne) for his doctoral research, a study which adopted a collaborative archaeological survey with a host Aboriginal community in western Arnhem Land. Since then, Denis’ focus has been on building long-standing sustainable heritage projects with local communities.
Denis is a co-founder and Director of the Irish Heritage School, which have their headquarters in Birr. Between his post-graduate studies Denis worked as a professional archaeologist covering a wide array of research topics. He was granted full Irish archaeological licence eligibility in 2006 and since that date has acted as senior archaeologist on a range of projects – with a focus on the high medieval period.
Denis is most passionate about public archaeology and medieval Irish archaeology and thrives on supporting local communities in formulating and delivering projects which contribute to a longer-term appreciation for their local heritage. He has published widely locally, nationally and internationally on these topics. Denis is a lead instructor for several field schools and research projects, including the Monastic Midlands field school that operates from the town. He also teaches modules for Maynooth University, as well as a range of other third level and community courses.
In a voluntary capacity Denis has been heavily involved with several community organisations in the past and is currently most active with Birr Rugby Football Club and Birr Historical Society. As part of the board of Birr 20|20 Vision Denis hopes to lend some of his heritage expertise to his now hometown, in the process encouraging more visitors to Birr and Offaly, whilst also engendering a deeper appreciation locally of its marvellous built and cultural heritage.
