Royal Irish Academy

A library with wall to wall books and shelves with tables and chairs in a row
A tall Georgian building with red brick
Located on Dawson Street in Dublin City centre, the Royal Irish Academy promotes scholarship and learning in science and the humanities. It is home to one of Ireland's premier research libraries with a range of activities and collections, with regular exhibitions and public events.

Established under Royal Charter in 1785, the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin City centre, oversees major research programmes that play key roles in producing and disseminating new insights into Irish history and heritage. Built around 1750, the current building has some fine decorative plasterwork and a handsome meeting room designed in 1854 by Frederick Clarendon, which is now used for conferences, exhibitions and public lectures.

The Royal Irish Academy advises and contributes to public debate and public policy formation on issues of major interest in science, technology and culture. It offers an independent forum to Irish scholars and provides a network of support for scholarly disciplines through its network of national committees and commissions.

The Royal Irish Academy library is a repository for over 150,000 printed materials including major manuscripts, books, pamphlets and drawing collections. The library facilitates visits by appointment, hosts an exhibition programme, regular lectures and publishes on its collections.

Check the Royal Irish Academy website for current events and exhibitions, as well as its public opening hours. They are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public bank holidays.