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.