Royal College of Physicians No. 6, Kildare Street

Nestled beside the National Library of Ireland on Dublin’s Kildare Street, No.6 has been the home of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland since 1864.

Thanks to its illustrious medical past, No.6 houses an eclectic collection of artifacts and antiques reflecting the antiquity of the College. The main rooms of the building remain much as they were in 1864 when the building was opened.

The College dates back to 1654, when Dr John Stearne, who later became the first Professor of Medicine in Trinity College Dublin, founded the Fraternity of Physicians of Trinity Hall. This fraternity would eventually go on to become the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.

In 1860 the College bought the premises of the Kildare Street Club at 6 Kildare Street. Shortly afterwards, and before the College could move in, a fire destroyed the Club, but an insurance payout was received and was put towards the construction of a new building.

The College held a competition to design a new building on the site and a design by William Murray Jr. was selected. The College’s new home at 6 Kildare Street, was completed in 1864.

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland has played a leading role in the advancement of medicine in Ireland. Today, it provides education and training for thousands of medical doctors in Ireland and across the world, offering postgraduate training programmes, examinations and diplomas.

Address: 

Royal College of Physicians,

6 Kildare Street,

Dublin 2,

Ireland