Royal Dublin Society

Club History

The RDS was founded as the Dublin Society on 25 June 1731 to promote agriculture, arts, industry, and science in Ireland. It later became the Royal Dublin Society and has a long history of public lectures, agricultural and equestrian events, notably the Dublin Horse Show, and contributions to science, the arts, and enterprise in Ireland.

Club Facilities

The RDS operates a 43-acre multi-purpose venue that includes major event spaces such as the Main Hall Complex, Concert Hall Complex, and Simmonscourt Complex. It features the redeveloped Laya Arena, meeting rooms, the RDS Members' Club, and various dining options including restaurants, cafés, and bars. More details can be found on the venue hire page.

Dining Facilities

Members have access to indoor dining at the Members' Club, which includes breakfast and lunch on weekdays, Sunday roast, and Thursday evening dining. There are also multiple public restaurants and cafés adjacent to the halls, such as the 1881 venues and Ring Café. More information is available on the Members' Club dining page.

Food and Drink

On-site catering is provided by RDS Hospitality, offering restaurant-standard cuisine made with seasonal Irish produce. The public restaurants and cafés include the Main Hall restaurant 1881, Simmonscourt Restaurant 1881, Ring Café 1881, and Simmonscourt Café 1881. Members' Club dining options include a published menu and a wine list, which can be viewed on the catering page.

Membership Options

Membership categories include Dublin Membership, Country Membership, Overseas Membership, and Associate (student) Membership. The RDS lists subscription rates and notes that admissions occur on the 1st of each month. Member benefits include access to the Members' Club, meeting room use, library borrowing, and food-and-drink credit offers, detailed on the membership options page.

Networking Opportunities

Members can participate in a range of cultural and social events, business seminars, and networking opportunities. There are also member groups such as singing groups and book clubs, as well as facilities for hosting client meetings. More information is available on the networking opportunities page.

Business Services

The RDS offers business facilities including meeting rooms, larger conference and training rooms for hire, and on-site catering for meetings. Full ICT and AV services are also provided, which can be explored further on the business services page.

Leisure Activities

Members can engage in various leisure and social activities, including cultural talks, art classes, and workshops. Member social groups, rugby hospitality, and access to exhibitions and events run by the RDS Foundation are also available. More details can be found on the leisure activities page.

Sports Facilities

The RDS hosts significant sports facilities, including the multi-purpose Laya Arena, which is used for rugby, concerts, and the Dublin Horse Show. It also features extensive equestrian facilities that host the Dublin Horse Show and national equestrian championships. Further information can be found on the sports facilities page.

Special Events

The RDS hosts major signature events, including the Dublin Horse Show, as well as a variety of awards and festivals. More about these events can be found on the special events page.

Member Accommodation

The RDS does not operate hotel accommodation but provides a list of Accommodation Partners for event clients and members. Additionally, reciprocal club arrangements may offer accommodation options when visiting those clubs, detailed on the member accommodation page.

Dress Code

A smart casual dress code applies in the Members' Club, with specific guidelines such as no shorts or flip-flops. Gentlemen are encouraged to wear a jacket and tie for evening dining. The full dress code rules are outlined in the Members' Code of Conduct.

Affiliations

The RDS maintains reciprocal club arrangements and has commercial and sporting partnerships. It is a member of IAC Worldwide and lists sister clubs globally. More information can be found on the affiliations page.