The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) was founded in 1731 as the Dublin Society. Its aim was to promote the development of arts, agriculture, industry and science in Ireland. The society acquired its current premises at Ballsbridge in 1879, and since then has increased from the original fifteen to forty acres (60,000 to 160,000 m²). The premises consist of a number of exhibition halls, a stadium, meeting rooms, bars, restaurants. The RDS is a major centre for exhibitions, concerts and other cultural events. The Royal prefix was adopted in 1820 when George IV became patron of the Society. The RDS hosts the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition each January.
