The Christopher Ewart-Biggs Memorial Prize was created in 1977, in memory of Christopher Ewart-Biggs, British Ambasssador to Ireland, who was assassinated by the IRA in 1976.

Its stated goal is to promote peace and reconciliation in Ireland, a greater understanding between the peoples of Britain and Ireland, or closer co-operation between partners of the European Community.

It is awarded to a book, a play or a piece of journalism that best fulfills this aim, published during a two-year period up to December 31 of the year preceding the prize year. Past winners include:

• 2003: Linen Hall Library, "Troubled Images Project"
• 2001: David McKittrick, Seamus Kelters, Brian Feeney and Chris Thornton, "Lost Lives: The Stories of the Men, Women and Children who Died as a Result of the Northern Ireland Troubles"
• 1999: Peter Hart, "The IRA and its Enemies; Violence and Community in Cork, 1916-1923"
• 1997: Norman Porter, "Rethinking Unionism: An Alternative Vision For Northern Ireland"
• 1995: Sebastian Barry, "The Steward of Christendom"
• 1993: Brian Keenan, "An Evil Cradling"
• 1991: John Whyte, "Interpreting Northern Ireland"
• 1989: David McKittrick and Mary Holland, newspaper columns
• 1981: Brian Friel, "The Communication Cord"
• 1979: Stewart Parker, "I'm A Dreamer, Montreal"
• 1979: F. S. L. Lyons, "Culture and Anarchy in Ireland 1890-1939"