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William O'Brien

b. 1961

Archaeologist and university teacher

PrehistorianUniversity teacher Archaeologist
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About William O'Brien

Born 1961. William O'Brien is a prehistorian, university teacher and archaeologist.

William O'Brien is an Irish archaeologist well known for his research on the evolution of Bronze Age societies and the appearance of metallurgy in Ireland. O'Brien is emeritus professor/chair of archaeology at University College Cork and an elected member of the Royal Irish Academy.

Biography O'Brien completed doctoral research at the University College Cork in 1987 on the emergence of prehistoric copper mining. He lectured for 16 years in the Department of Archaeology, NUI Galway. Research interests include the Chalcolithic and Bronze Age in Ireland, early mining and metallurgy in Atlantic Europe, upland archaeology, hillforts and all aspects of monumentality in the later prehistoric period. He has a particular focus on south-west Ireland as a region in prehistory, where he has conducted numerous research excavations.

Selected publications

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Important facts

Born
1961
Birth century
20th century
Occupation
Prehistorian, university teacher, archaeologist
Education
University College Cork
Employers
University of Galway, University College Cork
Also known as
William F. O'Brien, William Francis O'Brien

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Frequently asked questions

Who is William O'Brien?

archaeologist and university teacher

When was William O'Brien born?

William O'Brien was born in 1961.

What is William O'Brien's occupation?

William O'Brien is a prehistorian, university teacher and archaeologist.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William O'Brien

· Wikidata: Q96757301

· DBpedia: William O'Brien (archaeologist)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William O'Brien. https://biography.guide/william-o-brien-prehistorian/

MLA: "William O'Brien." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-o-brien-prehistorian/.

Chicago: "William O'Brien." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-o-brien-prehistorian/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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