RDS Stamps are Best in Show

1 January 0001

The RDS was founded in 1731 in the Philosophical Rooms of Trinity College Dublin, to support Ireland to thrive economically and culturally. The Dublin Society, as it was first known, aimed to do this through promoting agriculture, arts, industry and science.  Following a Charter received from King George II in 1750 and a royal visit by King George IV in 1820 the society became known as the Royal Dublin Society. Moving to larger premises in Leinster House between 1815 and 1924 allowed the RDS to further expand its not-for-profit interests.

The early work of the RDS is still in effect across cultural and scientific life in Ireland.  In 1877 many RDS assets and collections were given to the State.  The RDS Museum became the National Museum of Ireland while the RDS Library formed the foundation collections of the National Library.  The RDS Drawing Schools in time led to the National College of Art and Design and the Botanical Gardens, which were started by the RDS, also became a national amenity.

The RDS moved to its current iconic building in Ballsbridge in 1924. With a much bigger footprint it became host to Spring Shows, Horse Shows, conferences and events.  It is a now a centre for major concerts, exhibitions and is the home of Leinster Rugby.  Through funding primarily from its commercial operations, the RDS continues to fulfil its not-for-profit work programme.  The remit of philanthropic activity spans across science, the arts, agriculture, business and equestrianism.

The four new RDS stamps reflect this commitment, featuring a detail of the main entrance of the RDS showgrounds and three of the areas in which the RDS continues its philanthropic work through the year: show jumping, craft and science education. 

Michael Duffy, CEO of the RDS, commented: “It is wonderful to be acknowledged in this way by An Post. It would be very hard to encapsulate the full scope of our philanthropic work today, or indeed the work of the RDS through many generations, but the stamps give a sense of the areas in which we give back to Ireland and we are delighted that they are released just as the 2018 Stena Line Dublin Horse Show gets underway – our best known not-for-profit event.”

The stamps were created by Zinc Design Consultants and are available at selected post offices nationwide, 
by phone (01) 705 7400 or at irishstamps.ie