The Irish Automobile Club - As it was first known - was formed at a meeting on the 22nd January, 1901, and is one of the oldest motor clubs in the world. 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 purpose. Set up to promote interests of automobilism in Ireland, its first general meeting took place in the Metropole Hotel on Sackville Street - now O'Connell Street, Dublin on the 12th March, 1901. The RIAC's current Clubhouse on Dawson Street also saw the formation of the Irish Aero Club in 1909.