RDS Location

The RDS is situated in the Heart of Dublin in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. It is located on a 42-acre site between The Four Seasons Hotel and Herbert Park on Merrion Road.

Arriving by Ferry

Dublin has two ferry ports - Dublin Port and Dun L.  Irish Ferries  and Stena Line – are the 2 ferry lines that operate at these ports.

From Dublin Port (City Centre)

Dublin Port is on the north of the city approximately ten minutes drive from the RDS.

By Car

• Follow the signs for the Port exit, all routes along Tolka Quay Road
  Junction with R131
• Turn left at the traffic signals, taking R131 signposted City Centre
• At the roundabout follow the sign posts to Dun Laoghaire via Toll Bridge and cross the River Liffey (East Link Toll Bridge Tollbooths - car charge €1.45)
• Take Junction 80 (Dublin Outer Orbital Route)
• At the roundabout take the 3rd exit signposted N11, N81
• Take Irishtown (Junction 81)
• Turn right then, at the traffic lights turn left into Londonbridge Road R111 signposted N11, N81
• Take Junction 51 (R815)
• At the traffic lights turn left onto R815 signposted Ballsbridge
• Proceed through the next traffic lights, the RDS Showgrounds are situated on your right

From Dun Laoghaire Port (South Co. Dublin)

Dun Laoghaire Port, south of the city, is twenty minutes drive from the RDS.

By Car

• Follow the signs for the Port exit
• From the exit follow the signs Belfast and North (N1), Galway and West (M4), Cork and South (N7), Wexford and South East (N7)
• Junction with N31 (edge of Dun Laoghaire)
• At the traffic lights turn right onto N31 signposted all routes
• In 0.9 miles, at traffic lights turn right
• At the traffic lights continue through Junction with R118
• At traffic signals follow R118
• At the next traffic lights follow the signpost to the City Centre, the RDS Showgrounds are situated on the left hand side

By Bus

The number 7 bus can be availed of to both the RDS Showgrounds and into the City Centre from Dun Laoghaire.

By Local Train

Dublin's DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) service also operates from Dun Laoghaire.  Times can be accessed at www.dart.ie .

Other Information

Parking at the RDS

Parking is configured at the RDS according to the location, timing and nature of the event.  It is recommended to call to check parking arrangements for the event you are attending.

There are three main entrances/parking areas at the RDS: Merrion Road, Simmonscourt Rd and Anglesea Road.

• Merrion Road Car Park is open year-round from 9.00am – 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.  A flat fee is charged for the first three hours after which time an hourly rate is applied. Hours are extended for events.
• Simmonscourt and Anglesea Road car parks are open for particular events.  A flat fee is charged upon entry. Parking is available on a first come basis.

For more information, please telephone +353 1 668 0866 (during regular office hours).