Research Funds
The Heritage Council is a major source of funding for archaeological research in Ireland. Council funds the State’s archaeological research body, the Discovery Programme, and directly funds archaeological research through its Grants schemes.
The INSTAR Programme
INSTAR [the Irish National Strategic Archaeological Research] funds thematic archaeological research. It supports projects that require short to medium-term assistance and facilitates collaboration on national or international levels.
Since beginning in 2008, the INSTAR Grant Programme continues to successfully fund collaborative archaeological research projects under seven diverse thematic areas:
1. Cultural Identity, Territories and Boundaries
2. Resources, Technology and Craft
3. Exchange and Trade
4. Religion and Ritual
5. Environment and Climate Change
6. Landscapes and Settlement
7. Archaeology and Contemporary Society
An independent Review of the INSTAR Programme [PDF 189K] completed in early 2010 found it to be a resounding success and a model for other countries to follow. Research carried out under INSTAR can now be accessed under the searchable database in the INSTAR Web Archive.
INSTAR applications are closed for 2010.
Click to visit the main grants section for full information about INSTAR funding.
ARCHAEOLOGY NEWS
Historic Landscape Characterisation: Policy and Best practice guidance
Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) is concerned with identifying the contribution of the past to the landscape as it exists in the present.
ARCHAEOLOGY PUBLICATIONS
Guidelines for the Care, Conservation and Recording of Historic Graveyards in Co. Waterford
There are over 100 historic graveyards in County Waterford and this publication identifies the issues relating to their care, conservation and recording while providing advice on best practice in these areas.