
Early Years
Founded in 1848, the Irish (later Royal Irish) Academy of Music is Ireland’s oldest musical teaching institution. Among its founders were Francis and Joseph Robinson, John Smith, Samuel Pigott, Charles Graves and John Stanford. Opening on 1 March 1848, the Academy held its first classes at the Antient Concert Rooms in Great Brunswick Street (now Pearse Street).
By 1855, it was clear that a reorganisation of the Academy was necessary. A new committee was formed and the reconstituted Academy opened at 18 St Stephen’s Green on 12 February 1856.
In 1870, the Academy secured a government grant and, on 29 October 1870, it moved to its present home at 36 Westland Row. Numbers 37 and 38 Westland Row were acquired in 1915.
In 1872, as the result of a visit by Queen Victoria’s second son, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Academy successfully petitioned the Queen to become its patron. The Irish Academy of Music became the Royal Irish Academy of Music by royal command.