Entries Opening Monday! The countdown is on! Entries for the 2026 RDS Dublin Horse Show open this Monday, 25 May, at 9 am. Entries close at 5pm on Monday, 6 July. Don’t miss your chance to be part of #DublinHorseShow 🐎 bit.ly/DHSOnlinePortal2026

Celebrating the winners of the RDS Foundation Awards 2026, recognising those driving Ireland’s economic, environmental and social progress. Forest & Woodland Awards Supported by Teagasc, Woodlands of Ireland, and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine • Community Woodland Award - Tuatha Terryland Forest Park, (Brendan Smith, Galway) • Silviculture Excellence & Innovation Award – Michael O’Neill (Kilkenny) • Teagasc Farm Forestry Award – Stephen Morrison (Kildare) • Native Woodland Conservation Award – Paul Maguire (Mayo) Agriculture & Rural Awards • Sustainable Rural Innovation Award – Woolow Limited (Michael Burke, Galway) • Sustainable Rural Social Impact Award – Social Farming Ireland (Mary Brennan, Leitrim) • Sustainable Farming Award - Glenbrook Farm (Peter Twomey, Cork) Circular Economy Awards Delivered in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin • Emerging Category – The Toy Library (Cork) • SME Category – Carbon AMS (Sligo) • Social Enterprise Category – Accelerating Change Together CLG (Mayo) A celebration of ideas, people, and projects shaping a more sustainable and connected Ireland 🌿 #RDSFoundation #FindingCommonGround #RDSFoundationAwards

Dr Kevin Marshall @Microsoftirl tells us that aiready.ie is being launched next week by @DeptofFHed. The initiative aims to support us all in adopting AI by providing resources to start with the basics #findingcommonground @TheRDS

We are not far away from the opening of Laya Arena. Excitement is building for the @DublinHorseShow in August and the return of @leinsterrugby. Hear the thoughts of Charlie McConalogue - Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Shane Nolan - Leinster Rugby CEO, Fiona Sheridan - Dublin Horse Show Director, Kevin Kent - Commercial Director laya healthcare. #LayaArena #RDS #DublinHorseShow #LeinsterRugby

Congratulations to the 2026 RDS Forest and Woodland Awards Finalists 🎉 Community Woodland Award Category: 🌿Ballyfad Woodlands 🌿Carrigmeal Woods 🌿Future Orchard Trust 🌿Palace NeighbourWood Park & Sensory Garden 🌿Tuatha Terryland Forest Park The Community Woodland Award is designed to encourage and reward projects involving the communal ownership and/or management of forests and woodlands which have been established and managed in a sustainable way that is beneficial to the local economy and/or environment. Entry is open to community-based voluntary groups, participants in the NeighbourWoods Scheme, and privately owned public amenity forestry projects. The RDS Forest and Woodland Award winners will be announced at the RDS Foundation Festival, Finding Common Ground. The RDS Forest and Woodland Awards are delivered in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, @teagasc and @woodsofireland. #RDSAgri #FindingCommonGround #Forestry

Congratulations to the finalists of the 2026 RDS Forest and Woodland Awards in the Native Woodland Conservation Award Category: 🌳James & Paddy Phelan 🌳Kylemore Abbey 🌳Paul Maguire The Native Woodland Conservation Award aims to recognise excellence in the conservation and management of native forests and semi-natural woodlands which are regarded as ancient or long established and managed in a sustainable way that is both beneficial to biodiversity and the local economy. The RDS Forest and Woodland Award winners will be announced at the RDS Foundation Festival, Finding Common Ground. The RDS Forest and Woodland Awards are delivered in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc and Woodlands of Ireland. #RDSAgri #FindingCommonGround #Forestry

Meet the RDS Forest and Woodland Award Finalists 🎉 Teagasc Farm Forestry Award Category 🌳Franz & Sara Waldburg 🌳Joe O'Neill 🌳Martin Murphy & David Walsh 🌳Stephen Morrison The Teagasc Farm Forestry Award recognises working farmers who are integrating forestry and farming for environmental, social and economic benefits. It acknowledges the farmer’s role in actively managing the forest and promoting tree planting to strengthen wider farming sustainability. The RDS Forest and Woodland Award winners will be announced at the RDS Foundation Festival, Finding Common Ground. The RDS Forest and Woodland Awards are delivered in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, @Teagasc and @woodsofireland #RDSAgri #FindingCommonGround #Forestry

Congratulations to the Finalists of the 2026 RDS Forest and Woodland Awards 🎉 Silvicultural Excellence & Innovation Award Category: 🌳Ailbhe Gerrard 🌳Blessington Lake Forest Estate, ESB 🌳Castlelough Forest 🌳John Butterfield 🌳Michael O'Neill 🌳Olive Leahy 🌳Sean Eustace 🌳Stephen Strong 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. The winners of the RDS Forest and Woodland Awards will be announced at the RDS Foundation Festival, Finding Common Ground. The RDS Forest and Woodland Awards are delivered in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, @Teagasc and @woodlandsofireland #RDSAgri #FindingCommonGround #Forestry

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_RuralAwards 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_Concert