The Royal Hospital Kilmainham (RHK) is an iconic landmark in Dublin, Ireland, built in 1680 by royal command. It predates its sister, the Royal Hospital Chelsea, by two years and is the oldest classical building in Ireland, modeled after Les Invalides in Paris. The hospital initially housed 20 people but was designed for 400, and at times, it accommodated up to 2,500 people.
Meeting, Conference, and Event Facilities
The RHK offers a variety of venues for meetings, conferences, and events, including:
- North Range: This area is part of the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) and features stunning 17th-century style rooms with high ceilings and magnificent windows. It is ideal for conferences and dining events, with direct access to an enclosed courtyard, making it suitable for product launches. The North Range is serviced with lifts and accessible bathroom facilities, ensuring it is wheelchair accessible. It can host events of all sizes, including concerts and award ceremonies.
- Courtyard: This venue offers an exquisite setting for corporate celebrations, musical performances, weddings, and workshops. It is part of the alternative venues available while the North Range is undergoing remedial works.
- Meadows: The vast Meadows area is another alternative venue available for events. It provides ample space for various activities and can be used in conjunction with other venues for larger events.
- Vaulted Cellars: These historic cellars offer a unique and atmospheric space for events. They are part of the alternative venues available during the North Range’s closure.
- People’s Pavilion: This pavilion is another alternative venue that can be used for a variety of events, including corporate celebrations, weddings, and workshops.
Function Rooms and Capacities
- Great Hall: With a capacity for up to 450 people, the Great Hall is a significant space for large gatherings. It has been used for various events, including concerts and award ceremonies.
- Baroque Chapel: This chapel has a capacity of approximately 150 people and is often used for classical music concerts and other intimate events.
Services
The event team at RHK is highly experienced in creating memorable events. The venue offers parking for 400 vehicles, making it easily accessible for attendees. The team provides comprehensive event planning services, ensuring that every detail is taken care of to create an unforgettable experience for guests. The venue has hosted numerous prestigious events, including weddings, conferences, product launches, gala banquets, and exhibitions, for clients such as the Irish Government, the EU, Facebook, Amazon, Google, LinkedIn, and Aer Lingus.
The RHK has a long history of hosting landmark events, including the 2004 and 2013 EU Presidency events, Failte Ireland’s Meitheal – Ireland’s most significant international trade event – in 2008 and 2015, and the National Commemoration Day every year. The venue has also been used for various movies and TV shows, including The Madman and the Professor, The Tudors, and Penny Dreadful.