From Ferris wheels to young scientists, the Royal Dublin Society is part of our collective memory.
This is a journey through the history of the RDS. Founded as The Dublin Society it was instrumental in setting up some of Ireland’s most important institutions and continues today as a philanthropic organisation that supports Irish agriculture, arts, industry and science.
A Curious Society is a journey through the often-unconsidered history of the RDS, charting the development of this society from its beginnings in 1731.
This was an innovative society who, in 1771, was the first with a ‘Buy Irish’ idea where they offered rewards to businesses that bought goods manufactured in Dublin. The documentary charts the journey of the RDS from its first home in Parliament House, which is now the Bank of Ireland on College Green, to Leinster House, and finally to its current home in Ballsbridge.
With contributions from current and past presidents we will hear how over the course of three centuries the RDS has pursued, with vigour, its mission to encourage the development of agriculture, arts, science and industry throughout the country by educating, providing practical guidance, rewarding excellence and encouraging ability. Its mission remains as relevant today as it was in 1731.
The RDS Foundation Programme issues annual awards, and we will meet with the awardees of the foundation. We will meet with a previous RDS Music Bursary Award winner, Redmond O’Toole, and hear the music of past winners. We will visit the studio of jeweller Eimear Conyard, past winner of the RDS National Crafts Competition.
BROADCAST DETAILS:
A Curious Society will be broadcast on Newstalk 106-108fm on Saturday 8th August at 7am and repeated at 10pm on Saturday 8th August.
A Curious Society can also be listened to online at: www.newstalk.com
Podcast available at: www.newstalk.com/documentaryonnewstalk
CREDITS: A Curious Society is a Curious Broadcast production, funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, with the Television License Fee.
For more information contact: documentaries@newstalk.com
