About Us

The Society was founded in 1849 …
… ‘To preserve, examine and illustrate 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.’

These aims are achieved today through the Society’s annual programme of lectures, talks and excursions and by the publication of its journal, which is received by all members.

The Society, through its council and country-wide membership, is actively involved in the preservation of our national heritage. 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 on the continent.

The affairs of the Society are conducted by the president, officers and council, whose services are entirely voluntary.

Anyone subscribing to the aims of the society, subject to approval by council, may be elected to membership.

For a copy of the laws and statutes of the society see JRSAI 1988

President: Charles Doherty
Joint Hon. Gen. Secretaries: Dr Niall Brady & Dr Kelly Fitzgerald
Hon. Treasurer: Brendan Twomey
Executive Secretary: Colette Ellison
Librarian: Donal Fenlon

Council 2009

President

Mr Charles Doherty (four years incl: 2009-2012)

Past Presidents

Prof. Michael Herity
Prof. James Lydon
Prof. Etienne Rynne
Dr. Rhoda Kavanagh
Prof. Próinséas Ní Chatháin
Mr Conleth Manning
Ms Aideen Ireland

Vice Presidents

Leinster: Ms Mary Cahill (2010)
Munster: Dr. Griffin Murray (2010)
Ulster: Ms Helen Lanigan Wood (for three years 2008, 2009 & 2010 inclusive)
Connacht: Dr Paul Gosling (for three years 2008, 2009, 2010 inclusive)

Joint Hon. Gen. Secs.

Dr Niall Brady
Dr Kelly Fitzgerald

Hon Treasurer

Mr Brendan Twomey

Members of Council

Dr Brian Dornan
Mr Bill Doran
Dr Stephen Harrison
Ms Connie Kelleher

2007-2010 incl
Ms Mary Kelly
Dr Rachel Moss
Dr Diarmuid Ó Riain

2008-2011 incl
Dr Máirín Ní Cheallaigh
Mr Michael Fewer
Dr Michael Potterton

2009-2012 incl
Professor Howard Clarke
Mr Christiaan Corlett