Royal Dublin Society

Royal Dublin Society (‘Royal’ since 1820). Founded 1731 by fourteen members led by Thomas Prior and William Maple, it grew out of the 18th‐century desire for agricultural and industrial improvement. Membership reached 300 by the 1740s, a charter being received in 1750. The society offered grants (‘premiums’) for land reclamation, livestock breeding, fisheries, and textiles.

In the 19th century the activities of the society underwent changes of emphasis. In 1800 it withdrew from agricultural, the domain of the newly formed Farming Society, but returned to it following the collapse of this latter body in the 1830s. The society's agricultural role was further strengthened in 1888 when it took over the almost defunct Royal Agricultural Society. Meanwhile, from 1831, an annual spring show was held at Leinster House, the society's headquarters since 1815; and from 1838 there were exhibitions of Irish manufactures. From 1880 the society began to acquire and use land at Ballsbridge for its shows; it moved there in 1924, Leinster House having been requisitioned by the Dáil. In addition to agricultural and other exhibitions, the present‐day society organizes concerts and lectures, and possesses a fine library. Membership stands at about 7,500.

David Sturdy