Overview
Founded in 1831 in what was then Kingstown, the Royal Irish is the oldest yacht club in Dún Laoghaire Harbour, and its listed clubhouse is described by the club as the first purpose-built yacht clubhouse in the world. From the waterfront deck and pontoon the boathouse team runs a launch service to the club's swinging moorings, lifts dry-sailed keelboats with the club crane and looks after winter storage. Members race and cruise in Dublin Bay and beyond, the club's annual regatta is a fixture of the Dublin Bay calendar, and adult beginners learn on the club's 1720 sportsboats while cadets join summer courses and class training.
- Founded
- 1831
- Clubhouse
- first purpose-built yacht clubhouse in the world; listed building (club statement)
- Federation
- Irish Sailing
- secretary@riyc.ie
- Phone
- +353 1 280 9452
On the water with VesselSOS
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreHere MRCC Dublin – the app switches centre as you move, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- RIYC Annual Regattathe club's annual regatta in Dublin Bay
Live map, a start clock on every phone and results — when the club runs a race on VesselSOS Racing, it shows up here. Racing is a pilot with clubs for the 2027 season.
No race running right nowSee VesselSOS RacingSailing school and courses
- Six-session adult beginner course on the club 1720 sportsboats, open to non-members ↗
- Cadet summer courses and class training ↗
- Transition-year sailing programme run with the other Dún Laoghaire clubs ↗
Boat classes
History and achievements
- 1828Regattas begin in Kingstown harbour, creating the wish for a club
- 1831The Royal Irish Yacht Club is founded in Kingstown (Dún Laoghaire), the oldest club in the harbour; its harp-and-Nike emblem is unchanged since
- 2026A new crane is commissioned on the club deck for lifting dry-sailed boats
Location
- Position
- 53°17.77′ N 6°8.19′ W
53.29610, -6.13646
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Six-session adult beginner course on the club 1720 sportsboats, open to non-members, Cadet summer courses and class training and Transition-year sailing programme run with the other Dún Laoghaire clubs.
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: MRCC Dublin 112 / 999. Or call 112. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
When was Royal Irish Yacht Club founded?
In 1831.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: RIYC Annual Regatta.