Deadline: 15-Oct-2025
The Royal Irish Academy is inviting applications for its Archaeology Legacy Grant Programme to support the completion of archaeological excavation projects originally funded by the RIA.
The focus areas and priorities of this scheme are the completion of older archaeological excavation projects in a timely and managed way and helping to grow their understanding of archaeology, in the context of the finite nature of the archaeological resource.
The maximum award available to a project under this round of funding is €30,000. Funding is available to support post-excavation assessment, further post-excavation work, conservation and preparation of finds, publishing and sharing the project, and finishing the project by archiving all records and artefacts and submitting them to the relevant national bodies.
Proposals led by researchers based on the island of Ireland will be prioritised, while applications from researchers abroad will be assessed for feasibility. Applicants must normally be the original licence holder of the excavation unless exceptional circumstances apply, and in such cases, they must show full access to excavation materials and permissions from relevant authorities.
Funding can be used to cover staff time, project management and running costs, specialist materials and supplies, travel and accommodation, expert consultant fees, and scientific testing and analysis. Salary costs may also be covered if applicants need to take time off their regular work and are not being funded from another source, with proof of payment required. Funding cannot be used for institutional overheads such as laptops, cameras, laboratory fees, or other permanent resources. Applications from those with overdue excavation reports will not be considered unless a compliance agreement is in place, and applicants who previously failed to complete RIA-funded projects will be ineligible.
Applications will be assessed on their relevance to the grant’s goals, the applicant’s experience, the quality of the project design, resources and methodology, and the effectiveness of plans to disseminate the results.
Applications must include a reference letter from an independent referee, a detailed breakdown of research costs, evidence of efforts to secure funding from other sources, and justification for renewed funding. Applicants not holding the original excavation licence must provide written permission from the licence holder or from the National Museum of Ireland or National Monuments Service. Where specialists are involved, quotes must be submitted. Applicants may also be required to provide letters of support from national institutions confirming discussions about the project. Any potential conflicts of interest, including the employment of family members, must be disclosed to the RIA before funds are drawn down.
Once submitted, applications will be checked for eligibility before being reviewed by the Grants subcommittee of the Standing Committee for Archaeology, which will assess and recommend projects for ratification. Applicants will receive a decision letter with feedback, whether successful or not. Decisions are expected to be issued before the end of November 2025, and all funded projects must be completed by November 2026. Application closes on 15 October 2025.
For more information, visit RIA.
