Episode 10: RDS Legacies of Empire
The RDS was, from its foundation in 1731, a colonial institution, with projects extending from its members' rooms in Dublin to the Irish countryside, and across the ocean to the Caribbean plantation c...
17 Dec 202528min
Episode 9: From Cairo to Cork: the Lawrence E. Steele Collection
From 1895 to 1914, amateur Egyptologist and RDS Member Lawrence E. Steele made 4 trips to Egypt, where he visited archaeological digs, ancient temple complexes and the Cairo museum. On his return Stee...
24 Nov 202516min
Episode 8: The RDS and Irish Forestry
During the 18th century the RDS facilitated the planting of around 55 million trees in Ireland. The National Botanic Gardens, founded by the Society in 1795, experimented with different tree species i...
4 Nov 202536min
Episode 7: Helping Hands: The Story of the RDS and Irish Craft
From its involvement with the Irish linen industry in the 18th century, to the introduction of public exhibitions in the 19th and 20th centuries, to its continuing support of the sector today with the...
24 Apr 202520min
Episode 6: 150 Years of the Dublin Horse Show, a Celebration of Ireland’s Affinity with the Horse
In 2025 the RDS celebrates its 150th Dublin Horse Show. This iconic event has been a fixture in the Irish summer calendar for over a century and has influenced and shaped the horse breeding industry i...
26 Mars 202518min
Episode 5: A Blast from the Past! The RDS and Science Education in Ireland
From the establishment of its first laboratory in 1792 to the introduction of ESB Science Blast in 2019, the RDS has a long and illustrious history of engagement with science education in Ireland. Du...
27 Feb 202526min
Episode 4: Telling Tales: Revealing the History of the RDS Library & Archives
The RDS Library & Archives is one of the oldest and largest independent Libraries in Ireland and has been a part of the Society from its Foundation in 1731. Its remit is to collect material related to...
7 Nov 202425min
Episode 3: RDS 1924-2024: 100 Years at Ballsbridge
In 2024 the RDS celebrate the centenary of the transfer of their headquarters from Leinster House to Ballsbridge. Founded as the Dublin Society in 1731 to promote agriculture, industry, art and scienc...
9 Okt 202421min
