Stay walking distance from the RDS
The RDS Arena and its surrounding pavilions in Ballsbridge host one of the most varied event calendars in Dublin — the Dublin Horse Show every August, the Web Summit, BT Young Scientist, executive trade exhibitions, Leinster Rugby fixtures, and concerts ranging from classical to arena rock. On every event night the surrounding Dublin 4 hotels run premium rates and frequently sell out, so booking smart matters.
EirStay's nearest properties sit in Donnybrook, a flat eight-to-twelve-minute walk from the RDS through the leafy embassy quarter. Use the apartment as a base for a multi-day exhibition (proper desk, fast Wi-Fi, kitchen for the early starts) or for a Horse Show week with the kids — far more comfortable than two hotel rooms.
8–12 min walk
Our Donnybrook apartments are 8–12 minutes' walk to the RDS via Anglesea Road — the same route most exhibitors and locals use.
Dublin Horse Show & exhibitions
Dublin Horse Show, Web Summit alumni events, BT Young Scientist, equestrian and trade shows. Many run multiple days — the apartment economics easily beat a hotel.
Leinster Rugby & concerts
Leinster Rugby plays a number of Pro14 and European fixtures at the RDS. Walk home after the match — no taxis, no surge pricing.
Ballsbridge embassy quarter
Quiet residential streets, period architecture and excellent personal security. Walk to the British, US, French, German and South African embassies in five to ten minutes.
Closest EirStay apartments to RDS Arena
EirStay apartments closest to the RDS Arena, ordered by walking distance. Minimum stay 14 nights.
About the RDS Arena
The Royal Dublin Society (founded 1731) has hosted exhibitions, lectures and equestrian events at its Ballsbridge campus since 1879. The modern RDS comprises the Main Arena (capacity 18,500), the Simmonscourt Pavilion exhibition halls, the Industries Hall and a series of smaller meeting rooms — across the year the venue hosts everything from the Dublin Horse Show to corporate AGMs and arena concerts.
For business visitors, the most-attended events are the Dublin Horse Show (early August, draws 100,000+ visitors), the autumn trade-exhibition season, and Leinster Rugby's European fixtures. Hotel rooms in Ballsbridge and the south city centre routinely sell out for these events months in advance.
Getting to the RDS from your apartment
From any EirStay Donnybrook property, walk via Anglesea Road for 8–12 minutes — the route is flat, well-lit and follows the embassy quarter's quiet residential streets. From the Lombard / Grand Canal apartment, head south on Lansdowne Road then west on Anglesea Road. Sandymount and Sydney Parade DART stations are 10–12 minutes' walk from the RDS and connect to Connolly and Tara Street for guests staying further afield. As with the Aviva, don't drive — surrounding streets close to non-resident traffic on event days.
What's included in every EirStay apartment
- High-speed fibre broadband
- Dedicated workstation with proper desk
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Washer and dryer in unit
- Hotel-quality linens and towels
- Weekly housekeeping
- Smart TV with streaming apps
- Self check-in via lockbox
- Local Dublin contact on call
- All bills included in nightly rate
Frequently asked questions
How far is EirStay from the RDS Arena? +
Our three Donnybrook apartments are 8–12 minutes' walk to the RDS main gate via Anglesea Road. The Lombard apartment at Grand Canal Dock is 12 minutes' walk south via Lansdowne Road.
When is the Dublin Horse Show held? +
The Dublin Horse Show runs every August, traditionally over five days in the second week of the month. It draws over 100,000 visitors and Dublin 4 hotels routinely sell out at premium rates. Book your EirStay apartment 6–12 months ahead for Horse Show week.
Can I book an EirStay apartment for a multi-day trade exhibition at the RDS? +
Yes — this is one of our common bookings. Exhibition stands typically run 3–5 days; many EirStay guests book the surrounding two-week window with the trade show in the middle. The full apartment, kitchen and dedicated workspace are far better than a hotel room for an exhibition stay.
How close is the RDS to Aviva Stadium? +
The RDS and the Aviva are about a 10-minute walk apart on Lansdowne Road. Our Donnybrook apartments are walking distance to both — useful for guests with tickets to events at either venue or for sport doubles (rugby weekend with a Horse Show day).
Is there parking at EirStay apartments for RDS event days? +
Some Donnybrook properties include free off-street parking — check the individual property page. Note that Anglesea Road and the streets around the RDS close to non-resident traffic on major event days, so even with parking you should plan to walk.
What's the closest Luas or DART to the RDS? +
There is no Luas stop at the RDS. The two closest DART stations are Sandymount and Sydney Parade, each about 10–12 minutes' walk from the venue, with trains every 10 minutes into Connolly and Tara Street.
Apartments near other Dublin landmarks
Stay near RDS Arena with EirStay
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