The RDS

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

Visitor Notice – Limited Parking This Weekend On-site parking at the RDS will be very limited due to the Peace Proms concerts. Public transport is strongly recommended: • DART: Lansdowne Road & Sandymount (5-min walk) • Bus: E1, E2, 19, 27X, S2, 4, 7, 7a & more • From Dublin Airport: Aircoach 702 • LUAS: Via Connolly + DART or Ranelagh + S2 bus Plan ahead and travel smart – enjoy the concerts! #RDSDublin #EventUpdate

Visitor Notice – Limited Parking This Weekend On-site parking at the RDS will be very limited due to the Peace Proms concerts. Public transport is strongly recommended: • DART: Lansdowne Road & Sandymount (5-min walk) • Bus: E1, E2, 19, 27X, S2, 4, 7, 7a & more • From Dublin Airport: Aircoach 702 • LUAS: Via Connolly + DART or Ranelagh + S2 bus Plan ahead and travel smart – enjoy the concerts! #RDSDublin #EventUpdate

We are delighted to announce that the RDS has been confirmed as host venue for the @Rotary International Convention in June 2031. The first time the convention will be hosted in Ireland, this prestigious five-day global event will bring up to 20,000 delegates from more than 140 countries to Dublin and is projected to deliver an estimated €68 million boost to the Irish economy. The award of the convention represents a major win for Ireland’s business events sector, delivering significant benefits to hotels, pubs, restaurants and hospitality businesses across the city. Rotary International’s focus on service, integrity and community impact strongly aligns with the RDS purpose to inspire, enable and empower positive change in Irish society. The successful bid was led by Rotary Clubs of Ireland, with support from @Failte_Ireland, and we are proud to play our part in welcoming this international gathering to Dublin. The convention will feature a dynamic programme of presentations, workshops and an exhibition showcasing over 100 humanitarian projects from around the world. We look forward to welcoming Rotary International and delegates from across the globe to the RDS in 2031.

February is packed with unmissable events at the RDS! 🎉 From live music and exhibitions to trade shows and sport, there’s something for everyone this month. Here’s what’s on: 🎭 5 Feb: I WISH – RDS Main Hall Complex 🎶 7–8 Feb: Peace Proms – RDS Simmonscourt 🏨 10–11 Feb: Hospitality Expo – Main Hall & Industries Hall 🪙 14–15 Feb: Numismatic Society of Ireland Coin Fair – Hall 6 🔧 15–16 Feb: The Hardware Show – RDS Simmonscourt 🥊 21 Feb: Cage Warriors – RDS Simmonscourt 🎧 27 Feb – 1 Mar: Mind and Body Experience – Hall 4 #WhatsOnAtTheRDS #RDSDublin

RDS Visual Art Awards – College Curator Open Call 2026 We’re seeking early‑career curators from across Ireland! Gain hands‑on curatorial experience, visit graduate degree shows, longlist emerging artists, and take part in a week‑long placement with the RDS Visual Art Exhibition Curator and team 2026. If you’re passionate about contemporary art and ready to shape future cultural conversations, we want to hear from you. 📅 Deadline: 5pm, 23 February 2026 📧 Email: arts@rds.ie Subject: RDS College Curator Open Call 2026 🔗 Full details: bit.ly/College_Curato… Image: Àjàó Babátúndé Lawal, Shortlisted Artist, RDS Visual Art Award 2023 #RDSVisualArtAwards #RDSArts #OpenCall #CuratorOpportunity

One week left to apply for the 2026 RDS Forest and Woodland Awards! The Teagasc Farm Forestry Award recognises working farmers who are integrating forestry and farming for environmental, social and economic benefits. Meet the 2025 winner of the Teagasc Farm Forestry Award, Brian Flanagan from County Roscommon. To apply, download the application form here: bit.ly/ForestAndWoodl… The RDS Forest and Woodland Awards are delivered in collaboration with the @agriculture_ie @teagasc @woodsofireland

9 days left to apply for the RDS Forest & Woodland Awards! The Silvicultural Excellence & Innovation Award Category recognises excellence in the management of a forest (broadleaf, conifer, mixed or coppice) where timber production is the main management objective. Meet the 2025 winner of the Silvicultural Excellence & Innovation Award, John Normanly & Maria McDonnell from County Sligo. To apply, download the application form here: bit.ly/ForestAndWoodl… The deadline to apply is January 30th. The RDS Forest and Woodland Awards are delivered in collaboration with @agriculture_ie, @teagasc and @woodsofireland