The RDS Library & Archives is one of the oldest and largest independent Libraries in Ireland and has been a part of the Society from its Foundation in 1731. Its remit is to collect material related to the RDS Foundation areas of areas of art, science, agriculture, enterprise and equestrianism, and to maintain its archives which offer a rich and unique resource for researchers and students of the social, economic and cultural history of Ireland.

The Library was housed in several locations across Dublin from its beginnings in 1731 until the Society purchased Leinster House in 1815. There the Library occupied the first floor of the building sharing space with the RDS museum collections until the opening of the Natural History Museum building in 1856.

In 1877, under the auspices of the Dublin Art and Museum Act the RDS Library collections were transferred to the State to form the foundation collections of the National Library of Ireland.

The RDS moved from Leinster House to Ballsbridge in 1924 and the new Library was opened in what is now the RDS Concert Hall. The current Library building was designed by the architect Louis Giron and was opened by Eamon De Valera in 1965.

The RDS Library & Archives collections are available for consultation by the public by appointment. Parts of the collections are also to view on the RDS digital archive platform.

Join RDS Foundation Director Niamh De Loughry and Head of Library & Archives Natasha Serne as they explore the fascinating history of the RDS Library & Archives from its beginnings in the 18th century to the present day.

In 2024 the RDS celebrate the centenary of the transfer of their headquarters from Leinster House to Ballsbridge.

Founded as the Dublin Society in 1731 to promote agriculture, industry, art and science in Ireland the RDS had a presence in the centre of Dublin for almost 200 years.

In 1879, the Society leased a parcel of 15 acres of land from the Earl of Pembroke at Ballsbridge to hold their Spring Show and Horse Show. In 1923/24 the Society sold Leinster House to the Irish government for Dáil Éireann, moving their operations out of the city to this leafy South Dublin suburb on the banks of the River Dodder.

Join RDS Foundation Director Niamh De Loughry and Head of Library & Archives Natasha Serne as they take a trip around Dublin to explore the various homes and haunts of the RDS from its earliest days at Trinity College Dublin up to its development as Ireland’s premier events venue at Ballsbridge.

From the foundation of the National Botanic Gardens in 1795 to the introduction of ESB Science Blast in 2019, the RDS has a long and illustrious history in engagement with science in Ireland.

During the 18th and 19th centuries the RDS disseminated new scientific ideas through public lectures and journal publications, introduced professorships in chemistry and physics and established a laboratory at its premises on Hawkins Street that moved with the Society on its transfer to Leinster House in 1815.

In 1899 the Society introduced the Boyle Medal to award excellence in scientific research and in 1914 it founded the Irish Radium Institute that pioneered one of the earliest treatments for cancer in the world.

Today we continue its commitment to STEM education in Ireland through ESB Science Blast, which is designed and delivered by the RDS, to inspire primary school children and is one of the largest science education programmes for primary schools of its kind anywhere.

Join RDS Foundation Niamh de Loughry in conversation with our Head of Library & Archives Natasha Serne as they explore the rich and fascinating story of the RDS and science in Ireland across three centuries.