Introduction

A HOME FROM HOME FOR YOU, YOUR FAMILY, AND YOUR AUTOMOBILE

The Irish Automobile Club – as it was then known – was formed at a meeting on the night of January 22nd 1901, and is one of the oldest motor clubs in the world. Set up to further and promote the interests of automobilism in Ireland, its first general meeting took place in the Metropole Hotel in Sackville Street (now O’Connell Street), Dublin on March 12th 1901.

The RIAC's current clubhouse in Dawson Street also saw the formation of the Irish Aero Club in 1909.

The club was awarded the ‘Royal’ prefix to its title in recognition of the humanitarian work carried out by its members during the Great War when many Irish men, returning injured from the front, were transported to convalescent homes on members' vehicles that were converted into ambulances for this pupose.

Location

The RIAC is located on Dawson Street in the heart of Dublin, a stone’s throw from Dail Eireann (Irish Parliament), Government  Ministries, Universities, Museums and many historic buildings. Dublin's most popular shopping location, Grafton Street,  is within 1 minute's walk as is the beautiful St Stephen's Green.  

Facilities

Restaurant, Bar, Reading Room, Library with wi-fi facilities are available.  24 hour secure valet parking is provided all year round.  A valet car wash facility is also available; however, booking is essential (phone 01 6775299).

Membership

Categories: Full Town, Full Country and Club House Associates. Please phone 01-6775141 or email info@riac.ie for a proposal form.

In order to mark the 125th anniversary of the creation of the automobile by Mercedes in 1886, new members will receive a reduction of €125 on their entrance fee during 2011. Likewise, existing members will receive a €125 reduction on their 2012 subscription for each new member they introduce to the club during 2011.

Activities

The RIAC is the holder of the sporting power on behalf of the FIA in Ireland . This power is delegated on an annual to Motorsport Ireland www.motorsportireland.com. The headquarters of Motorsport Ireland are also located in the clubhouse on Dawson Street.

The RIAC organises the Pioneer Run, which celebrates the birth of Irish motoring. This event, which has now become an annual feature, takes place in June each year and is for cars and motorcycles that are at least 100 years old.

The club also arrange a members' run for "interesting"  cars. This takes place in May each year and, while it includes some basic navigational skills, it is primarily of a social nature and just for fun. If you would like to take part please send an email to info@riac.ie or phone (01) 6775141.

Meeting Rooms

Meeting rooms are available for business meetings and can be arranged in advance by contacting the office at (01) 6775141 or email info@riac.ie

RIAC Directors

Irish Automobile Club Limited, Reg. No. 3100

Directors: Cecil T. Sparks (Chairman), David Orr (President), Anthony P Wyse , Reginald Redmond, Peter J. Cosgrave, Dermott F. Quigley, Arthur Collier, Brian Cullen, Joseph W. Reynolds, Norman Williams, Gerald W. Freeman, Alan Graham, Ivan Healy.  Secretary: Alex Sinclair.