Ireland’s Largest Events Venue
Location, Flexibility, Heritage
TTHE
H E RDS
RDS
Contents
Royal Dublin Society
3
The RDS Venue
4
Exhibitions
6
Conferences
8
Meeting Rooms and Private Dining
10
Banquets
12
Entertainment, Concerts and Sporting Events
14
Location, Accessibility and Wi-Fi
16
Other Events
18
500 +
10
12,000
2,500
1.5m
2,000
EVENTS PER YEAR
MULTI-PURPOSE
CONFERENCE AND
EXHIBITION HALLS
DELEGATE
CAPACITY
HOTEL BEDROOMS
NEARBY
FOOTFALL
PER YEAR
CAR PARKING
SPACES
Royal Dublin Society
Founded in 1731, the Royal Dublin Society has been located in Ballsbridge since 1879.
It is a non-profit body supported by commercial activities. The Society continues to fulfil its commitment to
participate in the broad economic and cultural development of Ireland.
Through a prudent programme of investment, the Society has expanded and improved its facilities, including
the installation of a high density Wi-Fi network in all major halls and meeting rooms. Situated in the heart of
Dublin, served by all major public transport systems and surrounded by top hotels, the RDS can cater for every
event.
The Society’s buildings have been a landmark in Dublin since the late 1800s.
The RDS hosts:
n International conferences
n Exhibitions – public and trade
The Society, uniquely, has 10 multi-purpose conference and exhibition halls, breakout rooms, an outdoor
n Awards functions
n Concerts
stadium, several concert venues, meeting rooms, bars, restaurants, Wi-Fi throughout the venue and 2,000
n Sporting events
n Press and product launches
car parking spaces. The sheer size and scale of the RDS makes it extremely flexible and easy to tailor to
n Annual general meetings
n Meetings and training seminars
individual client needs.
n Private parties and weddings
n Christmas and themed parties
n Examinations and graduations
n Television productions
n Gala dinners and banquets
Additionally, each year over 80 different projects are undertaken and funded by the Society itself, covering the
Society’s Foundation activities of Agriculture, Arts, Industry and Science in Ireland.
Location, Flexibility, Heritage
THE RDS
page 3
The RDS Venue
The RDS is located right in the heart of Dublin city on a
42-acre site. The venue includes a range of halls and meeting
rooms for events of all sizes as well as outdoor space.
Our venue map (see opposite) shows the full expanse of our
unrivalled facilities. For precise details and specifications of
the main facilities within the RDS, please consult the venue
capacity table.
Contact us by phone on +353 (0)1 668 0866 or via email
[email protected] to discuss your requirements with a member of
the RDS commercial team.
The RDS is nestled in an urban setting.
The RDS can cater for any style of event.
Glamour and practicality mix perfectly at the RDS.
Location, Flexibility, Heritage
page 4
THE RDS
Location, Flexibility, Heritage
THE RDS
page 5
Exhibitions
The largest and most prestigious exhibitions in Ireland have been held at the RDS for more than a hundred years.
While a central and accessible location is a huge advantage for exhibition organisers, it is the flexibility of the
exhibition set up that is the single biggest asset. With 10 multi-purpose exhibition halls ranging in size from 370
square metres to 10,500 square metres, exhibition organisers are assured of a configuration that will perfectly suit
their needs. All the exhibition halls are situated on the ground floor which ensures easy access. For full details,
please consult the RDS venue capacity table.
What our clients say...
“The BT Young Scientist Exhibition has been staged at the RDS for more than 40 years. The combination
of flexible exhibition halls and willing co-operation of the RDS team, make the RDS a venue that I am
happy to recommend to any exhibition or event organiser.“
The Web Summit.
Mari Cahalane – Project Director, BT Young Scientist Exhibition
Exhibition hall sizes at the RDS:
Hall sizes
Venue
370m2
Hall 6 (Clyde Room)
750m2
Concert Hall
1,100m2
Hall 3 (Serpentine Hall)
2,350m2
Hall 4 (Industries Hall)
3,580m2
Hall 1 (Main Hall)
10,500m2
Hall 8 (Simmonscourt)
The Halls can be used in combination for big events.
Location, Flexibility, Heritage
page 6
THE RDS
Exhibition in the Concert Hall.
Interior design show in Hall 2 (Shelbourne Hall).
The Minerva Suite is ideal for boutique-style exhibitions.
Art exhibition in Hall 1 (Main Hall).
Location, Flexibility, Heritage
THE RDS
page 7
Conferences
The RDS is Ireland’s largest venue for conferences, offering a superb location and setting with magnificent
heritage.
Our expert staff provide critical support to conference organisers. They are specially skilled at demonstrating how different
combinations of halls or rooms can facilitate just about any scale or format of conference. Flexibility is often the key to
the success of a major event. For example, many of the halls are adjoining and have nearby meeting rooms to facilitate
varying breakout session requirements.
Hall 1 (Main Hall) accommodates up to 4,500 delegates in theatre style while the Concert Hall, with retractable tiered
seating, provides a superb conference venue for up to 1,000 delegates. Hall 8 (Simmonscourt) has capacity for up to
6,500 delegates, while the Minerva Suite is perfect for a small event for up to 120 delegates.
What our clients say...
“The 19th OSCE Ministerial Council was the largest event of this kind ever undertaken by the Department and the
co-operation offered by the RDS team could not have been at a higher level. Given the complexity of the event, the
requests for changes to be made were many and varied, yet the response was always fast and positive. The
professionalism and attention to detail shown by your colleagues was second to none.”
Frank Cogan – Head of OSCE Taskforce
The flexibility of the RDS is reflected in this table of sample capacities:
Conference Size
Recommended Venue
Up to 6,500
Hall 8 (Simmonscourt)
Up to 4,500
Hall 1 (Main Hall)
Up to 3,000
Hall 2 (Shelbourne Hall)
Up to 1,000
Hall 3 (Serpentine Hall)
From 200 to 1,000
Concert Hall
Up to 120
Minerva Suite
The Concert Hall accommodates up to 1,000 delegates (view from the stage).
Location, Flexibility, Heritage
page 8
THE RDS
International events such as the EuroElectric Conference regularly come to the RDS.
Hall 8 (Simmonscourt) set up for a conference.
Hall 1 in use as a workshop.
Location, Flexibility, Heritage
THE RDS
page 9
Meeting Rooms and Private Dining
It’s difficult to convey the sheer variety of meeting rooms available at the RDS. However, the primary rooms
are the Minerva Suite, Merrion Room, President’s Room and the Dodder Suite.
The Minerva Suite is ideal for any prestigious event and features polished wooden floors, chandeliers, marble
sculptures and artwork. It has staged product launches, client receptions, seminars, training sessions, small
exhibitions and comes with its own private bar, hallway, toilets, ante-room and boardroom. The Minerva Suite
can cater for up to 120 in theatre style, 100 for dinner and 200 for a reception.
The elegant Merrion Room is located front of house on the Merrion Road and has its own private bar. It can
host meetings, wedding receptions, conferences, dinners, exams and product launches. A flexible space that
can cater for up to 110 in theatre style, 100 for dinner, 60 for exams and 160 for a reception.
The impressive President’s Room on the first floor of the Main Hall complex is imbued with the history of the
RDS which is captured on a wall dedicated to the past presidents of the Society. It is ideal for meetings,
seminars and private dining and can cater for 40 in theatre style, 50 for dinner or up to 60 for a reception.
The Dodder Suite is a complex of five rooms, three of which overlook the Band Lawn and Ring 2. It is ideal
for a range of uses from seminars and training meetings to hospitality at big events.
What our clients say...
“I have been using the RDS for many years for small meetings and private lunches. My guests and I greatly
appreciate the quiet atmosphere along with the professional and efficient service shown to us by the RDS team.”
Eddie Hobbs – Managing Director, Financial Development and Marketing Ltd; Author; TV Presenter
Meeting room capacities at the RDS:
Numbers
Venue
Up to 25
Up to 30
Up to 40
Up to 100
Up to 110
Up to 120
Dodder Suite C or E
Dodder Suite D
President’s Room
Dodder Suite A
Merrion Room or Dodder Suite B
Minerva Suite
Private dining at the RDS – gourmet cuisine in splendid surroundings.
Location, Flexibility, Heritage
page 10
THE RDS
Impressive private meeting and dining facilities at the RDS.
The Minerva Room set up for a formal dinner.
Meeting rooms are available with a variety of capacities.
The Members’ Conference Room is a beautiful setting.
The President’s Room is perfect for meetings.
Location, Flexibility, Heritage
THE RDS
page 11
Banquets
The RDS is an exceptional venue to host a Gala Dinner in Dublin. Superb food and drink is assured by our
top class caterers, while the total dining experience encompasses the elegant buildings and palpable sense
of history.
RDS Hospitality is our highly regarded, on-site single service catering provider. Their award-winning chefs
apply their creativity and flair and source prime local produce, to create special menus for each event.
Ease of access to the RDS and proximity to many hotels are two key reasons to choose the RDS as the
venue for your big event.
What our clients say...
“We were delighted with the valuable and versatile service the RDS provided for our dinner awards
ceremony. The event was a great success and we look forward to working with the RDS in the future.”
A themed party at the RDS.
Aisling Conlon – Client Services and Events Manager, IAPI
Suggested venues and associated dining capacities at the RDS:
Numbers
Venue
Up to 50
President’s Room
Up to 100
Minerva Suite
Up to 450
Concert Hall
Up to 700
Hall 3 (Serpentine Hall)
Up to 1,000
Hall 4 (Industries Hall)
Up to 2,000
Hall 1 (Main Hall)
The Concert Hall is a magnificent setting for a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony.
Location, Flexibility, Heritage
page 12
THE RDS
Honey roasted quail with parmesan crumbed quail egg,
pickled beetroot, pea purée and roasted hazlenut.
Melange of North County Dublin strawberry and rhubarb.
Dinner set up for 400 in Hall 3 (Serpentine Hall).
Location, Flexibility, Heritage
THE RDS
page 13
Entertainment, Concerts and Sporting Events
Major national sporting events such as the Dublin Horse Show and Leinster rugby games are synonymous
with the RDS. For many years they have provided great sport and entertainment for the public.
International exhibitions such as King Tutankhamun: His Tomb and Treasures and other major national
entertainment events are staged with a professionalism and ease of access that appeal to both the public and
organisers. World-class entertainment events are staged regularly. The RDS hosts major concerts annually and
past acts have included concerts by Andrea Bocelli, Bruce Springsteen, Jay Z, Take That and
Paul McCartney.
What our clients say...
“Funderland Dublin, synonymous with the RDS Simmonscourt since its launch in 1973, was integrated
into the all new Christmas Wonderland event in 2013. Christmas Wonderland was hugely successful and
enjoyable. The RDS is an ideal venue for a spectacle of this size and the RDS team is highly professional,
The annual Dublin Horse Show has been organised by the RDS since 1868.
capable and supportive.”
Don Bird – Company Secretary, Wm Bird (Sales) Ltd
For concerts and public shows, the RDS has four main facilities:
Concert Size
Recommended Venue
Up to 35,000
Main Arena
Up to 7,000
Hall 8 (Simmonscourt)
Up to 5,000
Hall 1 (Main Hall)
Up to 1,000
Concert Hall
Major acts regularly play the Main Arena – in this instance Take That played to an enthusiastic audience.
Location, Flexibility, Heritage
page 14
THE RDS
King Tutankhamun: His Tomb and Treasures at the RDS.
Amlin Challenge Cup Final 2013 in the Main Arena.
International fencing in the Concert Hall.
Location, Flexibility, Heritage
THE RDS
page 15
Location, Accessibility and Wi-Fi
Great location – easy to access
The RDS is located close to Dublin city centre on a 42-acre site. Visitors to the RDS can walk from the city centre
or avail of the excellent public transport. For visitors travelling by car, there are 2,000 parking spaces on site.
The RDS Conference Village is an exciting collaboration between the RDS and top class local hotels to encourage
international conferences and exhibitions to the Ballsbridge area in Dublin city. Organisers and delegates have
access to 2,500 bedrooms in three, four and five star hotels within the immediate vicinity of the RDS.
For international visitors, Aircoach drops passengers directly outside the RDS from Dublin Airport. Dublin Airport
is only 25 minutes by car via the tunnel. Dublin Port is approximately a 10-minute drive, while Dun Laoghaire
Port is approximately a 20-minute drive from the RDS. Dublin has a large supply of taxis and several reliable
chaffeur-service and car-hire companies.
Public transport in Dublin: DART, Dublin Bus and Luas – see maps on facing page
The DART (Dublin’s local rail system) has services from Malahide and Howth in north Co. Dublin, to as far as
Greystones, Co. Wicklow, to the south of Dublin. The RDS is five minutes from Sandymount station.
Dublin Bus (Dublin’s public bus service) has an extensive network serving the city and suburbs. The RDS is
served by the number 4, 7, 8, 18, 27X, 45, and 145 routes.
The Luas (Dublin’s on-street light rail/tram system) serves the city centre to and from west and south-west
suburbs. Although the Luas does not pass the RDS, passengers can walk to the RDS from the Charlemont Luas
stop, or take a short taxi ride.
WI-FI
The RDS has a high density Wi-Fi network which can support 20,000 simultaneous
devices. A free Wi-Fi service is available throughout the site, while a premium Wi-Fi
service is available at a cost and subject to requirements.
Location, Flexibility, Heritage
page 16
THE RDS
Commuter and
public bus system
Dublin’s local
rail transport
Dunboyne/Clonee 70
Mulhuddart 38 A/B
Finglas 40
Ballymun 40
Glasnevin 40, 140
Dublin’s on-street
light rail system
Swords 1C
Airport 16, 41
Santry 1, 16, 41C
Maynooth 66
Blanchardstown 38/A,
Howth 31A
Malahide 42
Castleknock 37, 38
Killester 29A,
Coolock 15, 27, 42
Cabra 120, 121, 122
31/A/B
39/A
Raheny 29A,
31/A/B, 32
Lucan 25/A, 66/A/B, 67
Artane 14, 27/B, 42, 43
Connolly Station 14,
15, 27/A/B, 29/A,
31/A/B, 32, 42, 43, 90
Celbridge 67
Palmerstown 25/A/B,
66/A/B, 67
Chapelizod 25, 26,
66/A/B, 67
Heuston 90, 145
Rathcoole 69
Clondalkin 13
Ballyfermot 40
Rathmines 14, 15/A/B,
83/A, 140
Ranelagh 11
Dun Laoghaire 7, 46A
Monkstown 4
Ringsend 77A
Harold's Cross 9, 16
Tallaght 27
Bray 145
Kimmage 83A
Terenure 15, 16
Stillorgan 46A, 145
Blackrock 4, 7
Donnybrook 39A,
Ballsbridge 4, 7
46A, 145
Sandymount 1
Location, Flexibility, Heritage
THE RDS
page 17
Other Events
The RDS regularly caters for:
n
n
n
n
examinations
n graduation ceremonies
weddings
n Christmas fairs and shows
seminars
n annual general meetings
product launches
What our clients say...
“We were bowled over by the support and
co-operation of the staff helping us with the show.
The RDS team was brilliant.”
Sheila Murray,
Deputy Principal, St. Michael’s College
The Centurion Bar at the RDS.
Examinations are regularly held in the RDS.
There are a variety of meeting areas and lounges
available at the RDS.
The RDS is a popular venue for product launches.
Breakfast meeting in the RDS Library.
Hall 4 (Industries Hall) set up for a major social event.
Location, Flexibility, Heritage
page 18
THE RDS
RDS Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Ireland
Te lephone: +353 (0)1 668 0866
Facsimile: +353 (0)1 660 4014
Email: [email protected]
We b s i te : w w w. rd s . i e
Face b o o k : w w w. f a ce b o o k . co m / R D S d u b l i n
Twitte r: @TheRDS