The Royal Irish Academy, or RIA, is one of Ireland's premier learned societies and cultural institutions. Founded in 1785, its current and former members include scholars, artists, scientists and writers from around Ireland. Membership is by election, usually after the proposed member has published a noted scientific or scholarly work. In addition, international scholars can be selected as honorary members if they have contributed to academia and have a connection to Ireland.
The academy is also known for its publications on Irish material, particularly biography, history, geography and language. The Atlas of Ireland, published in 1979, was a comprehensive atlas of Ireland's geography, including related socio-economic thematical information. The academy keeps an extensive library, manuscripts, and collections of Irish material.
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