RDS

Name: RDS
Address: Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, DUBLIN, IE
Telephone: +353 (0) 1 6680866

Ireland's largest events venue. The RDS is a philanthropic Society supported by membership subscriptions and commercial activities.

The RDS is a philanthropic organisation that works to see Ireland thrive culturally and economically. Supported by our commercial operations, we do this by working across a number of different areas: arts, agriculture, enterprise, equestrianism, and science. The RDS is renowned for our venue operations. Because of our central location, the variety and flexibility of the rental space available and

the expertise on hand, the RDS has become a major venue for exhibitions, conferences and business and social gatherings of all sizes. The RDS is a registered charity; RCN: 20002008 CHY No. 1325

22/06/2026

Get closer to greatness at the Gallagher Dublin Horse, 5 - 9 August 2026.

Tickets are on sale now. Save 10% when you book online.

Book now: https://www.dublinhorseshow.com/tickets/

03/06/2026

Calling final‑year students & recent graduates!

Applications are now open for the Other / Overseas category of the RDS Visual Art Awards.

This category supports artists whose degree shows didn’t follow the traditional timeline or who studied abroad ensuring outstanding work still has the opportunity to be seen, supported, and celebrated.

You’re eligible if you are:
• A final‑year BA or MA student whose degree show took place outside the traditional degree‑show period
• An Irish BA or MA student currently studying at an overseas art college
• A 2025 BA or MA graduate whose degree show took place July 2025 – April 2026 and wasn’t assessed for the 2025 RDS Visual Art Awards

Apply now and find full details: https://www.rds.ie/rds-foundation/arts/vaa
Deadline: 30 June 2026

Last year's Other/ Oversea applicant, Clara McSweeney, went on to win the Taylor Art Trust Award.

26/05/2026

Call for Artists & Makers - The RDS Foundation are inviting expressions of interest from artists and craft makers to be part of a curated Stand at the RDS Dublin Horse Show 2026 🐎

Taking place 5 - 9 August, this year’s show celebrates 100 years of the Nations' Cup, bringing together top international riders, a vibrant social programme, and a huge public audience.

Showcase your work, connect with new audiences, and bring your practice to life through live demos or interactive experiences.
We’re looking for bold, material-driven, and engaging practices across visual art and craft.

👉 For more info click the link in bio or contact [email protected]

19/05/2026

We are delighted to announce a new strategic partnership with Levy Ireland, marking a key milestone in the continued transformation of Ireland’s largest multi-purpose venue.

Levy will lead all food and beverage operations, delivering a fully integrated, world-class hospitality experience across sport, live entertainment, conferences and exhibitions — further strengthening the RDS’s position as an international venue of choice.

As RDS CEO, Paul Kelly noted: “This partnership marks an important step forward as we continue to evolve the RDS into a leading destination for sport, culture, business and live entertainment — positioning the RDS not only as a premier Irish venue, but as a destination of choice for international events and conferences.”

This comes as we prepare to open Laya Arena, with its new 6,700+ capacity Anglesea Stand, welcoming audiences this August for the Dublin Horse Show and the return of Leinster Rugby. 🏉

👉 Read more: https://bit.ly/4ukvyCL
👉 Host your event: https://bit.ly/43gTScJ

18/05/2026

We’re delighted to announce Paul McAree as Curator of the 2026 Visual Art Exhibition.

Paul is Curator/Director at Lismore Castle Arts, Co. Waterford, and has previously worked with Tate Modern, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, and Breaking Ground. His curatorial practice includes international exhibitions, residencies at Rua Red and Temple Bar Gallery + Studios, and the commissioning project FLOOD.

Exhibition
6 November - 17 December 2026
Gallery@RDS, Simmonscourt Road

# RDSVisualArtAwards

06/05/2026

Welcome back to the RDS Digital Archive Blog Series!

One of the RDS Library & Archives' more recent acquisitions is the Lady Averil Swinfen Collection, kindly donated by Julian Humphreys, which is the subject of today's blog.

Lydia Flanagan, who is currently undertaking the MA in Archives and Records Management at UCD, worked with the collection in March. Her blog explores Lady Swinfen's importance in the founding of the Irish Donkey Society and the culture surrounding donkeys in Ireland in the 1960s and '70s.

The cataloguing of the Lady Averil Swinfen Collection is ongoing, but other RDS collections are available to view on the RDS Digital Archive.

Irish Donkey Society

Click the link to read the blog post: https://bit.ly/DonkeysGalore

04/05/2026

Calling final‑year students & recent graduates!

Applications are now open for the Other / Overseas category of the RDS Visual Art Awards.

This category supports artists whose degree shows didn’t follow the traditional timeline or who studied abroad ensuring outstanding work still has the opportunity to be seen, supported, and celebrated.

You’re eligible if you are:
• A final‑year BA or MA student whose degree show took place outside the traditional degree‑show period
• An Irish BA or MA student currently studying at an overseas art college
• A 2025 BA or MA graduate whose degree show took place July 2025 – April 2026 and wasn’t assessed for the 2025 RDS Visual Art Awards

Apply now and find full details via https://www.rds.ie/rds-foundation/arts/vaa
Deadline: 30 June 2026

Last year’s Other / Overseas applicant, Thaís Muniz, went on to win the R. C. Lewis‑Crosby Award and the RDS Mason Hayes & Curran LLP Centre Culturel Residency Award.

28/04/2026

Announcing the Judges & College Curators of the 2026 RDS Arts Programme

The RDS is proud to award over €135,000 to Ireland’s most promising emerging artists across Visual Art, Craft and Music - continuing a legacy of supporting the arts since 1731.

At the heart of this programme are the expert judges and college curators whose insight, experience and creative vision help shape the future of Irish artistic talent.

Craft Awards Judges
Úna Burke
Debra Finn
Fiona Harrington
Joe Hogan
Dee Morgan

Music Awards Judges
Pauline Ashwood
Séamus Crimmins
Colette McGahon
David Quigley
Cathy Stokes

Visual Arts Awards College Curators
Teresa Crowley
Noémie Cursoux
Rachael Gilbourne
Davey Moor
Aoife Ruane
Georgie Thompson

Visual Arts Awards Judges
Rachel Joynt
Christina Kennedy
Paul McAree
Sarah McAuliffe
Patrick Murphy

21/04/2026

Spring has officially arrived 🌸🏡

The PTSB Ideal Home Show is back at RDS Simmonscourt from 24–26 April 2026 - Ireland’s biggest event for home inspiration, renovations, and interiors.

Whether you're planning a full makeover or just looking for fresh ideas, you’ll find everything you need under one roof ✨

📍 RDS Simmonscourt
🎟️ Discounted tickets available – click the link in bio

20/04/2026

RDS Dublin Horse Show tickets are officially on sale… you know what to do 🎟️ 🐎
Expect world-class show jumping, standout style moments, great food, and that unbeatable summer atmosphere in the heart of Dublin.

Secure your tickets now at the link in bio.

Address

Merrion Road
Ballsbridge
DUBLIN

Telephone

+353 (0) 1 6680866

Website

http://www.rds.ie/

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