European Insurance Forum 2010

RDS CONCERT HALL - EXCITING NEW VENUE FOR EIF2010

RDS CONCERT HALL, BALLSBRIDGE, DUBLIN 4, IRELAND
We will be delighted to welcome you to this year’s venue for the European Insurance Forum (EIF2010) at the historic Royal Dublin Society’s Concert Hall. Note this venue is conveniently located on the Merrion Road, Ballsbridge between the Four Seasons Hotel and the Herbert Park Hotel (approx 5 minutes walk from either hotel).

A BRIEF HISTORY
Home to the infamous RDS Annual Horse Show, since its inception in 1731, the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) www.rds.ie has grown from a small gathering of visionaries into one of Ireland's most influential bodies. The royal prefix was adopted in 1820 when George IV became patron of the Society. The RDS presented its first concert in 1866, and built the RDS Concert Hall in 1902. Since then it has played host to many great names – Poulenc, Rubinstein, Fournier, Tortelier, du Pré, Lill and Brendel to name a few. The Irish Chamber Orchestra is amongst some of the many Orchestras who perform here from time to time.

While based at Leinster House (now the location of the Irish Government), the RDS built an art school in 1827 and the Natural History Museum in 1856. With a long tradition in publishing dating back to its inception in 1731, the RDS initially confined itself to publishing pamphlets on new discoveries and best practice but has since developed and broadened its remit to include scientific journals and books. Details of the Society's early publications can be found within the RDS Archives. 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.