| Summary: | While landscape has long been an active field of study within archaeology, little attention has been given to place. However, as conceptions of landscapes become increasingly nuanced and complex, it becomes increasingly appropriate to shift the focus of analysis to place in order to better engage with the experiential, sensory, and emotive aspects of lived spaces and worlds. Furthermore, place encourages a broader perspective and holistic approach in which the past and present are intertwined and therefore equally significant to interpretations. This thesis investigates the relationship between archaeology and senses of place in order to examine the ways in which the remains of the past are relevant to the present. Two Irish islands - Valentia Island and Achill Island - are explored through engagement with their archaeological landscapes, historical research, and ethnography. The study shows that conceptions of the islands as places are characterised by perceptions and relationships with their pasts. Furthermore, both places are largely identified by their more recent histories, particularly the 19th century, demonstrating the importance of historical and contemporary archaeology. In short, this study shows that archaeology and senses of place are linked, and that each influences the other. Thus it is suggested that in order to fully understand the archaeology of a particular place some engagement with such aspects of place are necessary. Furthermore, in order to best serve the communities and societies which inhabit these spaces and landscapes, archaeology should take into account contemporary perspectives and experiences, and this means engaging with place as a conceptual framework
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