Royal Irish Academy

Established in 1785 and granted a royal charter the following year, the Royal Irish Academy stands before you as a testament to Ireland’s intellectual prowess. This prestigious institution has served as a beacon of knowledge and cultural heritage for centuries. The Royal Irish Academy was initially housed in Charlemont House, the residence of its founder, James Caulfeild, 1st Earl of Charlemont. Later, around 1787, the Academy moved to Navigation House on Grafton Street, a building previously occupied by the Grand Canal Company. Finally, in 1852, the Royal Irish Academy found its permanent home here at 19 Dawson Street, in a building known as Academy House. While the Royal Irish Academy is renowned for its contributions to the sciences, humanities, and social sciences, it once played a vital role in safeguarding Ireland’s national treasures. Artefacts like the Tara Brooch, the Cross of Cong, and the Ardagh Chalice were once housed within these very walls, before finding their current home at the National Museum of Ireland. Today, the Royal Irish Academy continues its legacy of promoting learning. The Academy boasts a membership of around 600 individuals, elected for their remarkable academic achievements. Election to the Academy is considered a significant honor in Ireland. Members are entitled to use the designation “MRIA” after their name, a mark of their esteemed position in Irish academia. The Royal Irish Academy also houses a significant library. This library boasts the world’s largest collection of Old Irish manuscripts, including the sixth-century Cathach, believed to have been copied by St. Columcille himself. The library also houses the personal collection of the renowned Irish poet, Thomas Moore, including his harp. The Royal Irish Academy remains a vital center for research and scholarship, a vibrant hub where the past and present intertwine.