The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) is an Irish philanthropic organisation and members club which was founded as the 'Dublin Society' on 25 June 1731 with the aim to see Ireland thrive culturally and economically. The RDS is synonymous with its 160,000 m2 campus in Ballsbridge, Dublin, Ireland. The premises include the 'RDS Arena', 'RDS Simmonscourt', 'RDS Main Hall' and other venues which are used regularly for exhibitions, concerts and sporting events like the Dublin Horse Show or Leinster Rugby games. The Royal Dublin Society was granted royal patronage in 1820 by George IV. The RDS Members' Club is a members-only club offering exclusive access to sports events on its premises and weekly luncheons and dinners.
RDS Main Hall entrance (2008)
The headquarters at 112 Grafton Street of what was then known as the Dublin Society from its construction in 1767 until it moved to a new larger premises at Hawkins Street in 1796.
Entrance arch to Leinster House, home of the RDS, c.1863–1880.
RDS Simmonscourt in May 2012.
A gentlemen's club is a private social club of a type originally set up by men from Britain's upper classes in the 18th and succeeding centuries.
Reform Club, a prominent club in London since the early 19th century
The bar at the Savile Club, 69 Brook Street, London
A Club of Gentlemen by Joseph Highmore, c. 1730
Scene in a gentlemen's club: a cartoon of 1883 by Charles Keene