Irish Georgian Society - The Desmond Guinness Scholarship

The Desmond Guinness Scholarship

You will receive a one-off payment of around 2,000 EUR scholarship to carry out research into the visual arts and material culture of Ireland during the period between 1600 and 1940. This includes Irish architecture, painting, sculpture and decorative arts produced during this period, whether in Ireland or abroad. The scholarship is awarded by the Irish Georgian Society, an organisation dedicated to the preservation of Ireland’s historic buildings and decorative arts. It is awarded once a year, but only if a suitable application is received. It does not cover your tuition fees.

Who can apply

• Study level: You are enrolled on a postgraduate research programme: an MA, MPhil or PhD.
• Research topic: Your work focuses on Irish art, crafts or architecture from 1600 to 1940. Projects based on research into primary sources will be given preference.
• Career stage: You are early-career researchers. Researchers who have already completed their PhD should apply for a different funding scheme instead.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Where you study: You can study at any university.

How to apply

Apply through the online form on the Irish Georgian Society website. No extra documents are accepted, and you must fill in every field or your application is rejected. Your referee must email one confidential reference separately before the deadline. The cut-off is 12 noon on 20 November, and the 2026 round opens in autumn 2026. Assessors appointed by the Society judge the originality of your proposal, your academic strength, the project's value and its budget. Their decision is final.

If you are researching Irish art and looking for further funding, our guide Scholarships in Ireland brings together more opportunities across Ireland.