Royal Irish Academy

The Royal Irish Academy, based in Dublin, is an academic body that promotes study in the sciences, humanities and social sciences. It is one of Ireland's premier learned societies and cultural institutions. The Academy was established in 1785 and granted a royal charter in 1786. As of 2019 the RIA has around 600 members, regular members being Irish residents elected in recognition of their academic achievements, and Honorary Members similarly qualified but based abroad; a small number of members are elected in recognition of non-academic contributions to society.

Until the late 19th century the Royal Irish Academy was the owner of the main national collection of Irish antiquities. It presented its collection of archaeological artefacts and similar items, which included such famous pieces as the Tara Brooch, the Cross of Cong and the Ardagh Chalice to what is now the National Museum of Ireland, but retains its very significant collection of manuscripts including the famous Cathach of…