Request for Applications: Archaeology Legacy Grant Programme (UK and Ireland)

Deadline: 15-Oct-2026

The Archaeology Legacy Projects Grants provide funding for post-excavation research, conservation, and dissemination activities related to archaeological projects in Ireland that were previously funded by the Royal Irish Academy. The scheme aims to help complete older archaeological excavation projects whose original funding ended at least five years ago. By supporting post-excavation work and the publication, archiving, and sharing of findings, the programme helps ensure that important archaeological research is completed and made accessible to researchers and the public. Applicants can receive up to €30,000 per project.

About the Archaeology Legacy Projects Grants

The scheme is designed to support the completion of archaeological excavation projects that were previously funded by the Royal Irish Academy. Eligible projects must have had their original funding end at least five years ago. The programme aims to ensure that valuable archaeological projects are brought to completion and that their findings are properly analysed, conserved, published, archived, and shared. Purpose of the Grant The primary purpose of the grant is to facilitate the timely and managed completion of older archaeological excavation projects.

The scheme aims to:

- Complete unfinished archaeological projects. - Enhance understanding of Ireland’s archaeological heritage. - Support post-excavation research. - Encourage conservation of archaeological finds. - Improve dissemination of research findings. - Support the archiving of archaeological records and artefacts. - Encourage innovative approaches to post-excavation work. The programme recognises the importance of managing Ireland’s finite archaeological resource effectively. Which Projects Are Supported? The grants support archaeological excavation projects in Ireland that were previously funded by the Royal Irish Academy and meet the required legacy project conditions. Projects should focus on completing outstanding post-excavation activities and making the resulting research and materials accessible to the wider research community and public. Post-Excavation Activities Funding can be used for a range of activities required to bring archaeological projects to completion.

Supported activities include:

- Assessment and planning. - Further analysis. - Scientific testing. - Conservation of finds. - Preparation of finds. - Publication of results. - Sharing of research findings. - Archiving of records. - Archiving of artefacts. These activities are intended to help researchers complete the research cycle following archaeological excavation. Research and Scientific Analysis The grant can support further analysis and scientific testing of archaeological materials. This can help researchers develop a fuller understanding of excavation findings and address outstanding research questions associated with legacy projects. The scheme also encourages innovative approaches to post-excavation analysis where appropriate. Conservation and Preparation of Finds Funding can support the conservation and preparation of archaeological finds. This ensures that materials recovered through previous excavation projects can be appropriately prepared and preserved as part of the project’s completion. Publication and Dissemination An important component of the scheme is making archaeological findings accessible.

Funding can support:

- Publication of results. - Sharing of research findings. - Dissemination to the wider research community. - Making findings accessible to the public. The programme therefore supports not only research completion but also the communication of archaeological knowledge. Archiving of Records and Artefacts The grants can also support the archiving of archaeological records and artefacts. Proper archiving helps preserve the project’s research materials and ensures that records and archaeological materials remain available for future research and reference. Eligible Project Costs Funding can cover a range of eligible costs associated with completing a legacy archaeological project.

Eligible costs include:

- Staff time. - Project management. - Specialist materials. - Travel and accommodation. - Expert consultant fees. - Scientific analysis. Salary costs are also eligible where the applicant or team members would not otherwise be paid for their work on the project. How Much Funding Is Available? The maximum award is €30,000 per project. Applicants should use the funding to support eligible activities and costs required to complete the archaeological legacy project. Who Can Apply? Applicants must be archaeological researchers working in Ireland, including Northern Ireland. Proposals led by researchers based on the island of Ireland are given priority. Students may participate as part of a research team but cannot be lead applicants. Requirement for Excavation Materials Normally, the applicant should be the original excavation licence holder. Where the applicant is not the original licence holder, they must demonstrate: - Full access to the excavation materials. - Permission to work with the excavation materials. This requirement ensures that applicants have the necessary authority and access to complete the proposed work. Applicants Outside the Island of Ireland Applications from researchers based outside the island of Ireland may also be considered. Such applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, particularly in relation to the feasibility of carrying out the proposed project. Priority for Researchers in Ireland The scheme gives priority to proposals led by researchers based on the island of Ireland. This reflects the programme’s focus on completing archaeological legacy projects in Ireland and supporting research connected to the country’s archaeological heritage. Students and Research Teams Students can participate in supported projects and contribute to the research team. However, students cannot act as lead applicants for the grant. The le