The RDS

Meet the Finalists of the 2026 RDS Agriculture & Rural Awards 🎉 Sustainable Farming Award Category: 👏Future Oak Farm 👏Glenbrook Farm 👏Murray Meadows 👏Tom Barry This award celebrates individuals or farm families who are sustainably developing and diversifying their on-farm activities. It recognises entrepreneurial farmers who have created new income streams through initiatives such as agri-tourism, educational experiences, on-farm accommodation, and value-added products, strengthening both farm viability and rural communities. The winners will be announced at the RDS Foundation Festival, Finding Common Ground. For more information visit: rds.ie/tickets #RDSAgri #Agriculture #Innovation #Sustainability #RuralIreland #FindingCommonGround

Meet the Finalists of the 2026 RDS Agriculture & Rural Awards 🎉 Sustainable Rural Social Impact Award Category: 👏Dairy Women Ireland 👏Laois Friends 👏Meath Made 👏Social Farming Ireland 👏The Centre of Food Culture Ireland 👏Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group This award is open to not for profit or voluntary rural groups and organisations that are promoting or supporting the sustainable economic and/or societal development of their local community. For example, initiatives that improve the local economy, rural environment, social engagement and inclusion or cultural heritage. The winners will be announced at the RDS Foundation Festival, Finding Common Ground. #RDSAgri #Agriculture #Innovation #Sustainability #RuralIreland #FindingCommonGround

Meet the Finalists of the 2026 RDS Agriculture & Rural Awards 🎉 Sustainable Rural Innovation Award Category: 👏Dooley's Wool 👏GasAbate by GlasPort Bio 👏Olly's Farm 👏Woolow Limited This award recognises individuals and organisations who have applied science and technology to help deliver the principles of climate-smart agriculture. Such as greater efficiency, reduced waste and increased profitability. The winners will be announced at the RDS Foundation Festival, Finding Common Ground. #RDSAgri #Agriculture #Innovation #Sustainability #RuralIreland #FindingCommonGround

🎙️ RDS Vision 300 Series X That Great Business Show Join us for a Live Podcast Recording of That Great Business Show with host Conall Ó Móráin, featuring past RDS Vision 300 Speakers on Thursday, 16 April at 5:30pm. First up is Enda Buckley, Director of Sustainability at Carbery Group. Watch back on Enda’s Vision 300 episode for a preview of what will be explored; from the world’s first climate‑neutral dairy farm to how farms can be both productive and sustainable. His insights highlight how the sector can create a stable future for dairy farming while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change. Places are limited, early booking recommended: rds.ie/tickets A cash bar will also be available. #FindingCommonGround #RDSDublin #RDSAgri #Sustainability

🎙️ RDS Vision 300 Series X That Great Business Show Join us for a Live Podcast Recording of That Great Business Show with host Conall Ó Móráin, featuring past RDS Vision 300 Speakers on Thursday, 16 April at 5:30pm. First up is Enda Buckley, Director of Sustainability at Carbery Group. Watch back on Enda’s Vision 300 episode for a preview of what will be explored; from the world’s first climate‑neutral dairy farm to how farms can be both productive and sustainable. His insights highlight how the sector can create a stable future for dairy farming while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change. Places are limited, early booking recommended: rds.ie/tickets A cash bar will also be available. #FindingCommonGround #RDSDublin #RDSAgri #Sustainability

Are you an educator, business leader, policymaker, student, or member of the public who wants to understand what the future of skills really means for Ireland? Join us on Wednesday, April 15th, 4–6 PM for Future Skills: Bridging the Digital Divide, part of the RDS Foundation Festival: Finding Common Ground. This two-day public event explores how Ireland can respond to shared challenges like climate change, sustainable resource use, and bridging skills gaps. Hear from leaders shaping Ireland’s future of skills: Kevin Marshall – Head of Education, Microsoft & Chairman, National Skills Council Prof Joyce O’Connor – Chair & Co-Founder, Block W Dr Ciarán Dunne – Transversal Skills Director, DCU Shauna Dunlop – Director of Research, Future Skills Needs, SOLAS 💡 What we’ll explore: Closing digital skills gaps Transforming education and training Ensuring no one is left behind in the digital economy Whether you’re in education, business, policy, or just curious, places are limited — book your ticket now and be part of shaping Ireland’s future: rds.ie/tickets

Dublin’s skyline now boasts a new landmark. The structural frame of the redeveloped Laya Arena has reached its highest point marking the completion of the new Anglesea Stand structure. The countdown is now on for the opening day of the RDS @DublinHorseShow on 5 August, followed by the return of @leinsterrugby in September. Thanks to Minister Patrick O'Donovan TD, Minister Charlie McConalogue alongside our partners from Laya healthcare, Leinster Rugby and Elliott Group. #LayaArena #RDS #DublinHorseShow #LeinsterRugby

Art for climate justice. Creativity for change. 🌱RDS Foundation Arts is proud to support artists leading the conversation. Following the recent artist Open Call for the RDS Finding Common Ground, we are delighted to announce the following finalists Cormac MacGearailt @cormacfitz, Diane O'Connor @dianeoconnor9 and Murrough O'Donovan @murrroughodart. Our finalists have a variety of events taking place across the festival. We encourage you to discover them at the link: bit.ly/4sdB4pS #FindingCommonGroud #FindingCommonGroud

The RDS is excited to launch the third annual Foundation Festival: Finding Common Ground 🌍 A two‑day public festival featuring comedy, poetry, and a series of summits tackling the opportunities and challenges facing Ireland today - there’s something for everyone. Explore how Ireland can respond to shared environmental and societal challenges - from climate change to sustainable resource use to bridging critical skills gaps. Building on the RDS’s long‑standing heritage in advancing agriculture, science, enterprise, and the arts for the public good, this festival creates a platform for open dialogue, collaboration, and cross‑sector learning at a time when complex challenges demand collective solutions. 📣 Places are limited, explore the programme and register now at: bit.ly/4sdB4pS #FindingCommonGround

⏳ Just 1 Week Left to Apply! The countdown is officially on for the 2026 RDS Agriculture & Rural Awards. If you or your organisation is making a real impact in Irish agriculture, sustainability, rural development, or community impact, now is the time to shine. Don’t miss your chance to be recognised on a national stage and join an inspiring community of leaders and changemakers. 📅 Awards Ceremony: April 16, 2026 📝 Applications close in 1 week: bit.ly/RDSAgri_RuralA… Apply today and help us to celebrate the people shaping the future of rural Ireland. #RDSAgri #Agriculture #Innovation #Sustainability #RuralIreland

Is your 10-year-old a future fact-checker? Today, as ESB Science Blast 2026 kicks off at the RDS, we’re seeing a shift in how Ireland’s primary school children see the world. The RDS Curiosity Index shows that students are moving beyond “How do things work?” to “Is this actually true?” From AI and algorithms to phone addiction, the Class of 2040 is using STEM to test, verify and challenge the world around them. Here’s how their mindset has evolved: 🔎 2024 – The Observers Curious about how the world works. “How do fish breathe underwater?” “Why do our fingers wrinkle in the bath?” ⚖️ 2025 – The Testers Comparing and evaluating. “Hearing or reading: which is better for learning?” “Does colour affect how a drink tastes?” 🧠 2026 – The Fact-Checkers Testing the ‘big claims’. “Can we tell the difference between AI-generated and human text?” “Are brands really as transparent as they say?” “Are our phones making us addicted?” This week, 13,000 students from across Ireland will gather at the RDS to showcase their findings, bringing us closer to a significant programme milestone — 100,000 participants since 2019. These aren’t just school projects — they are a demonstration of the critical thinking skills that will power Ireland’s future workforce. Because in a future shaped by AI, climate innovation and rapid technological change, the ability to question, test and verify may be the most important skill of all. #ESBScienceBlast #RDSDublin #STEM #CuriosityIndex

Spring of Hope – A Classical Music Concert In aid of the UCD Ukraine Trauma Project Join us for a special evening of music and solidarity as Newpark Community Orchestra performs alongside guest Ukrainian musicians, sharing the stage in a powerful celebration of collaboration, hope and cultural connection. The programme features a beautiful blend of: • Classical orchestral works • Operatic and musical theatre interludes • Traditional Irish music • Ukrainian musical traditions Together, this unique performance carries a powerful message: “Music is a Pathway to Integration.” 📅 Wednesday, 11 March 🕢 7:30pm – 9:30pm 📍 RDS Concert Hall All proceeds support the UCD Ukraine Trauma Project. This concert is a collaboration between Newpark Community Orchestra and guest Ukrainian musicians in aid of the UCD Ukraine Trauma Project. Book now via Eventbrite: bit.ly/SpringofHope_C…

📸 Highlights from the 2025 RDS Agriculture & Rural Awards! What an inspiring celebration of innovation, sustainability, and leadership across Ireland’s rural and agricultural communities. Swipe through to see some standout moments from last year’s ceremony! Don’t miss your chance to be part of it in 2026! There are just 2 weeks left to apply for the 2026 RDS Agriculture & Rural Awards. Whether you’re driving progress in sustainability, rural development, agri‑tech, or community impact, we want to hear your story. 📅 Awards Ceremony: April 16, 2026 📝 Apply now: bit.ly/RDSAgri_RuralA… Let’s celebrate the people shaping the future of rural Ireland. #RDSAgri #Agriculture #Innovation #Sustainability #RuralIreland

Delivered as part of the RDS Science and Technology Programme, ESB Science Blast is a STEM education initiative designed to inspire primary school children and is one of the largest science education programmes of its kind in Ireland. Proudly sponsored by ESB, the programme empowers students to keep asking questions about the world around them while developing essential 21st century skills. Through hands-on inquiry, teamwork, critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and communication, students explore real-world ideas and bring their investigations to life at live regional showcase events. Next week, we are proud to welcome over 12,500 students to Simmonscourt to celebrate their scientific endeavours. #ESBScienceBlast #STEMEducation #STEM

Meet the winner of the 2025 RDS Sustainable Rural Social Impact Award, Liskennett Assisted Activity Centre in Co. Limerick 🏆Their aim is to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to live the life of their choice to their fullest potential. Apply now for the 2026 RDS Agriculture & Rural Awards at: bit.ly/4cmlrHd Deadline to apply: Friday, 13 March #RDSAgri #Agriculture #RuralIreland

Less than one week to go. The 2026 RDS Craft Awards open for applications next Monday, 2 March. A €62,000 prize fund will support Established and Emerging Makers. The relaunched Branchardière Lace Bursary also returns this year. Last year’s Established Maker Award winner, Jennifer Hickey, continues to set the standard for excellence in Irish craft. From contemporary innovation to safeguarding heritage skills. The Awards champion Ireland’s finest makers. 🔗 Learn more: rds.ie/rds-foundation… #RDSCraftAwards #IrishCraft #ContemporaryCraft #HeritageSkills #MadeInIreland

Meet the 2025 Winner of the RDS Sustainable Rural Innovation Award 🏆 Living Green, based on the Inishowen Peninsula, Co. Donegal, is Ireland’s only producer of certified organic worm Compost. Founded in 2012, the company operates a sustainable model that transforms carbon-emitting materials into eco-friendly compost, while minimising waste, energy, and water use. This award recognises individuals and organisations who have applied science and technology to help deliver the principles of climate-smart agriculture. Apply now for the 2026 RDS Agriculture & Rural Awards at: bit.ly/4cmlrHd Deadline to apply: Friday, 13 March #RDSAgri #Agriculture #Sustainability #RuralDevelopment

The 2026 RDS Agriculture & Rural Awards are open for entries! Apply now at: rds.ie/rds-foundation… Meet the 2025 Winner of the RDS Sustainable Farming Award, Arthur & Larissa Preston of Swainstown Farm. This award recognises individuals or farm families who are sustainably diversifying their on-farm activities, creating new income streams through initiatives such as agri-tourism, value-added products, innovative marketing, and improved efficiencies that strengthen farm viability and rural communities. Deadline to apply: Friday, 13 March #RDSAgri #Agriculture #Sustainability #RuralDevelopment

Next up to feature in the RDS Vision 300 series is Shauna Dunlop, Director of Research, Future Skills Needs, Statistics and Risk at SOLAS (An tSeirbhís Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna), Ireland's Further Education and Training Authority. From skills shortages and lifelong learning to the recently announced National Skills Observatory, Shauna explores how access to the right data can strengthen Ireland’s ability to meet future challenges. Watch the series: bit.ly/Vision300Series #RDSEnterprise #RDSVision300 #Skills #Education

Applications Now Open – 2026 RDS Agriculture & Rural Awards! 🌱 We’re delighted to launch the 2026 RDS Agriculture & Rural Awards – celebrating the farmers, innovators and community groups shaping a more sustainable future for Irish agriculture and rural life. With a prize fund of €9,000 and the prestigious RDS Silver Medal up for grabs, these Awards recognise excellence across three categories: ✨ Sustainable Farming ✨ Sustainable Rural Innovation ✨ Sustainable Rural Social Impact If you’re driving positive change in your community or sector, we want to hear from you! Applications close: Friday, 13 March 2026 Apply now: bit.ly/Agriculture_Ru… #RDSAwards #SustainableAgriculture #IrishFarming