Archaeology Research Excavation Grants - Royal Irish Academy

Overview

This funding supports archaeological research excavation associated with the archaeology of Ireland (including Northern Ireland). This includes pre-excavation surveys, post-excavation analyses, reporting, publication, and archiving of RIA-funded excavations. The National Monuments Service has also committed additional funding for research excavations connected to Norman Ireland as part of the 2027 European Year of the Normans initiative. Applications for 2027 are now open. The average grant awarded has previously been in the region of €20,000. If applying for excavation, each application must cover excavation and post-excavation requirements for that season.

Key Grant Info

• Status: Closed
• Submissions open: 3 September 2026
• Submissions close: 15 October 2026
• Supported by: National Monuments Service

What the Grant Funds

• Pre-excavation surveys (topographical, building, geophysical, or other relevant assessments).
• Archaeological excavation, which must incorporate plans for all reasonably anticipated post-excavation responsibilities for that season.
• Additional seasons of excavation or survey (up to a maximum of three seasons, except in exceptional circumstances).
• Unforeseen post-excavation analysis for projects supported by the RIA AREG grant scheme within the past five years.
• Completion of final excavation reports for projects funded within the last five years under the RIA AREG grant scheme.
• Publication of research findings from RIA-funded projects within the last five years.
• Archiving and accessioning of materials from RIA-funded projects within the last five years.

Aims and Priorities

• Helping to grow our understanding of archaeology in the context of the finite nature of the archaeological resource.
• Exploring standalone research questions where excavation could offer new or innovative insights into archaeology, including applications which research archaeological sites impacted by climate change.