The Royal Irish Academy is considered a learned society. Based on Dawson Street in Dublin, Ireland, it was founded in 1785 by a community of scientists, writers and artists. Today, this organization is still active, and many visitors come to its headquarters to admire its architecture, attend conferences and discover its impressive library!
The Royal Irish Academy moved to 19 Dawson Street in Dublin in 1951. It is housed in a magnificent building, built around 1750, famous for its remarkable architecture, plasterwork and reception hall, designed in 1854 by Fredrick Villiers Clarendon.
Today, the building has not changed. Above all, it serves as a venue for conferences, art exhibitions and heated public debates. It’s here that major subjects are tackled: scientific studies, literature, art, philosophy, politics… The Royal Irish Academy is the home of Ireland’s leading intellectuals. We like to exchange, debate and learn.
The academy is ultra-famous for its magnificent library, which boasts an incredible collection of books and manuscripts, some dating back centuries. These include medieval manuscripts such as the famous “Annals of the Four Masters”, considered a masterpiece of Irish history.
Some of these books are even on display at the National Museum of Ireland, also in Dublin. Their value, totally priceless, deserved to be showcased in a museum like this one!
Please note that the academy cannot be visited like this. It is first and foremost an academy, not a tourist attraction. You can only get in if you’re taking part in a conference, exhibition or other event directly linked to the organization.
A magnificent place nonetheless, to be discovered if only for its historical and intellectual value!
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
19 Dawson St, Dublin 2, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin (County Dublin) - Republic of Ireland
53.340746, -6.258110
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