The Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland (RSAI) is one of Ireland’s premier learned societies. Established in 1849 with the aim to ‘preserve, examine all ancient monuments and memorials of the arts, manners and customs of the past, as connected with the antiquities language, literature and history of Ireland’, our ethos has always been non-sectarian and non-political, and membership is socially inclusive.

With our roots in recording sites and monuments, and in the practical repair and conservation of historic buildings, today the Society continues many of the activities that were initiated over 160 years ago. These include regular lectures and excursions, and the publication of a peer-reviewed academic journal.

Members are entitled to use the Society’s library which contains books on Irish history, antiquities and archaeological and historical journals published in Ireland, Great Britain and continental Europe.