Irish craft is a defining part of Ireland’s cultural heritage, and the RDS has supported its development for almost 300 years. Since the National Competition for Applied Arts was introduced in 1968, the programme has grown into today’s RDS Craft Awards, maintaining a commitment to excellence, innovation and the preservation of heritage skills. This long history includes milestones such as the 1890 Branchardière Fund and the influence of craft advocate Muriel Gahan, whose belief that “the value of our crafts cannot be reckoned in money; they are part of our national tradition handed down through generations” continues to guide the programme. Following recent sector consultation, the Awards now offer a €62,000 prize fund supporting makers at every stage, reaffirming the RDS commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability and Ireland’s craft traditions.
he RDS Craft Awards comprise three categories with a total prize fund of up to €62,000. Now in the second year of the fully reimagined format, the Awards support makers at all stages of their careers, with all verified applications reviewed by an independent judging panel. Entry is free, and the Awards are open to craft makers living on the island of Ireland as well as Irish born makers working overseas.
The programme includes:
- Established Maker Award – Supporting experienced makers to sustain or scale their practice.
Maximum individual award: €20,000. - Emerging Maker Award – Providing early career support for makers within their first ten years.
Maximum individual award: €5,000. - Branchardière Lace Bursary – Relaunched for 2026, offering up to €2,000 for training, research, creative experimentation, mentoring, residencies, and collaborative projects in Irish lace and Irish croc
Application window: 2 March – 13 April 2026
To apply
for more information and to apply, see the RDS website below.
