Archaeology
Celebrating 20 years at the forefront of underwater archaeology and diving in Ireland
ADCO – The Archaeological Diving Company Ltd – was founded in 1999 to offer a specialist service in marine, freshwater, and underwater archaeology to the development and research sectors in Ireland; at a time when the State authorities in Ireland recognized the requirement for archaeological resolution underwater, to complement the long-standing requirement for resolution on land.
Underwater Archaeology is not just about diving and the sub-tidal environment. It includes the adjacent foreshore and associated land masses. ADCO’s approach captures an ‘amphibious’ vision of maritime archaeology. We are equally capable on land as we are on water, and see the two spheres as integrated and related.
Since 1999, ADCO has become Ireland’s premier archaeological consultancy in Marine and Underwater Archaeology, and we continue to deliver the highest quality of service and expertise. Our team is made up of experienced professionals. Our archaeologists include medievalists and underwater archaeologists who are high academic achievers and experienced in research and development-led work across Ireland, the UK and continental Europe. Our teams have worked closely together since the company was founded and deliver an efficient, safe, cost-effective and detailed resolution to projects that take place in often challenging and dynamic marine and freshwater environments.
We recognise the critical input that marine professionals from other disciplines have to contribute to the success of archaeological projects, and we work closely with experienced third-parties to augment our skills when necessary. This ensures that ADCO can offer the fullest range of services, from state-of-the-art seabed and structural survey, through monitoring and excavation, to reporting, conservation and archiving.

Our archaeological services include:
ADCO has been successful in winning research grants to develop innovative approaches to maritime and underwater archaeology.
A suite of different techniques is used to capture the detail. Each technique has its particular merits. No one is entirely sufficient in its own right, but used in combination the techniques make it possible to construct useful insight.