Bearing Fruit: Tales from the RDS Archives

The RDS was, from its foundation in 1731, a colonial institution, with projects extending from its members' rooms in Dublin to the Irish countryside, and across the ocean to the Caribbean plantation colonies. For over 100 years, the RDS played a crucial role in shaping and disseminating colonial science and focused on issues that directly benefited colonial interests, such as agriculture, industry...

From 1895 to 1914, amateur Egyptologist and RDS Member Lawrence E. Steele made 4 trips to Egypt, where he visited archaeological digs, ancient temple complexes and the Cairo museum. On his return Steele lectured around Ireland on Egyptology, utilising the photographs he took, and the glass lantern slides he purchased on his travels. The record of his visits, including 1,500 glass lantern slides, s...

During the 18 th century the RDS facilitated the planting of around 55 million trees in Ireland. The National Botanic Gardens, founded by the Society in 1795, experimented with different tree species into the 19 th century and in 1988 they introduced the first forestry awards in Ireland. In this podcast we join Niamh de Loughry RDS Foundation Director, Head of RDS Library & Archives Natasha Se...

From its involvement with the Irish linen industry in the 18th century, to the introduction of public exhibitions in the 19th and 20th centuries, to its continuing support of the sector today with the launch of the new RDS Craft Awards, the RDS has always played a pivotal role in the support of native craft and design. Join RDS Foundation Director Niamh de Loughry, Head of Library & Archives,...

In 2025 the RDS celebrates its 150th Dublin Horse Show. This iconic event has been a fixture in the Irish summer calendar for over a century and has influenced and shaped the horse breeding industry in Ireland from its earliest days at Leinster House to the present day at the RDS showgrounds in Ballsbridge. Join RDS Foundation Director Niamh de Loughry in conversation with RDS Deputy CEO- Finance...

From the establishment of its first laboratory in 1792 to the introduction of ESB Science Blast in 2019, the RDS has a long and illustrious history of engagement with science education in Ireland. During the 18 th RDS disseminated new scientific ideas through its journal publications and introduced professorships in chemistry and physics. In the 19 th century it played a pivotal role in the establ...

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 s...

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...

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 a...

First held in 1864, the Dublin Horse Show is a celebration of Ireland's affinity with the horse. From the best show horses to the best international show jumpers, it is one of Ireland's largest events, welcoming tens of thousands of people each year from Ireland and across the globe. Join RDS Foundation Director Niamh De Loughrey and RDS Head of Library & Archives as they explore the rich history...