The Dublin Society was founded in 1731 by fourteen men in Trinity College Dublin. Its aim was to promote the development of the arts, agriculture, industry and science in Ireland. Since its foundation, it has been involved in many successful initiatives to advance Ireland both culturally and economically. Among other important projects, it opened the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin in 1795 and has awarded the Boyle Medal occasionally since 1899 to encourage excellence in science.
The word Royal was added to its name in 1820 when George IV became patron of the Society. It bought its current premises in Ballsbridge, the RDS, in 1879 and held the first shows there in 1881. The premises consist of a number of exhibition halls, a stadium, meeting rooms, bars and restaurants. The RDS is now a major centre for exhibitions, concerts and other cultural and industrial events.