Episode 3: RDS 1924-2024: 100 Years at Ballsbridge

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.