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RDS, short for the Royal Dublin Society, is a renowned venue located in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, with a history stretching back to its foundation in 1731. While the RDS is best known for hosting the annual Dublin Horse Show and a range of cultural, sporting, and business events, it has also played a significant role in Dublin's nightlife and live music scene, occasionally transforming into an iconic nightclub and concert venue. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the RDS’s Main Hall, Simmonscourt Pavilion, and other function spaces became synonymous with some of the most legendary nights out in the city, regularly hosting large-scale club events, themed dance nights, and raves that drew big crowds and top international DJs.

Throughout its history, the complex has adapted to evolving entertainment trends. For example, during the 1990s and early 2000s, the RDS became a central hub for the booming dance music and rave culture in Dublin, with various club nights and promoters utilizing its expansive halls for unforgettable music events. While the venue itself has not changed location, the internal layout and usage of the different spaces within the RDS campus have been regularly reimagined to keep pace with changing tastes and audience demands.

These transformations have ensured the RDS remains a vibrant space for nightlife and entertainment, contributing immensely to Dublin’s cultural tapestry. The RDS's contribution to the city extends beyond simple entertainment; it is a badge of honor for any artist—local or international—to play there, cementing its status as a culturally significant institution in Dublin. Notable artists who have performed at the RDS include U2, Prince, The Chemical Brothers, Metallica, Radiohead, REM, Oasis, Bruce Springsteen, Shakira, Elton John, The Prodigy, Calvin Harris, Faithless, The Corrs, Stereophonics, The Script, Westlife, David Guetta, Blur, Snoop Dogg, Florence and the Machine, and many others.

Beyond pop and rock giants, the RDS has hosted famed DJs and electronic artists such as Sasha, John Digweed, Paul Oakenfold, Armin van Buuren, and Carl Cox, while also providing a platform for countless Irish acts over the decades, helping launch and sustain the careers of local legends and up-and-coming talent.