RDS Concert Hall

Dublin, Dublin

Address

Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Dublin D04 AK83

Phone

Founded in 1731, the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) is one of Ireland’s most iconic and versatile venues. Spanning 42 acres in the affluent suburb of Ballsbridge, it serves as the country’s premier location for large-scale exhibitions, international conferences, and sporting events. The campus features a unique blend of historic architecture—such as the Industries Hall with its 1850s vaulted wooden ceiling—and modern facilities like the Simmonscourt Pavilion. It is perhaps most famous as the home of the annual Dublin Horse Show and as the primary ground for Leinster Rugby. With 10 multi-purpose halls and an outdoor stadium, it can accommodate everything from intimate meetings to massive gala dinners for 5,000 guests.

Accessibility

The RDS is a flagship accessible venue for large-scale events in Ireland: Physical Access: Despite its historic buildings, all exhibition halls (1 through 8, excluding Hall 5) are at ground level and fully wheelchair accessible. Any spaces on the first floor are serviced by public lifts. Seating: For concerts and stadium events (like Leinster Rugby or the Horse Show), dedicated wheelchair viewing areas are provided in the Grandstand and Anglesea stands. These must typically be booked via the Ticketmaster access line. Toilets: Accessible, unisex toilets with alarm pull-cords are located throughout the venue in every major hall. Assistance: A dedicated information desk in Hall 1 provides specific assistance for visitors with additional needs during major shows. Hearing Support: The recently refurbished Concert Hall features a state-of-the-art induction loop system.

Car Parking

The RDS is a large 42-acre site with significant on-site parking facilities, though availability depends on the specific event: Merrion Road Car Park: The main year-round car park, typically open from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. Simmonscourt & Anglesea Road Car Parks: These are opened for larger exhibitions and concerts. Rates: Parking is operated on a fee-paying basis (typically a flat daily rate for events). Accessible Parking: Dedicated disabled parking spaces are located in both the Merrion Road and Simmonscourt car parks. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance.

Café & Bar

The RDS offers extensive internal hospitality through RDS Hospitality: Permanent Outlets: There are several on-site restaurants and cafés adjacent to the main halls, including Restaurant 1881 and Café 1881 (located in both the Main Hall and Simmonscourt complexes). Event Catering: During large exhibitions, the venue utilizes mobile food vans, barista pods, and pop-up bars within the halls. Members' Club: For RDS members, there is a private Members' Club offering exclusive dining and bar facilities. Nearby Dining: Located in the heart of Ballsbridge, the venue is seconds away from popular spots like The Horse Show House, The Bridge 1859, and Roly’s Bistro.

Shows at this venue

No ballet shows currently listed for this venue.