1907
Founded on principles of artistic freedom and inclusivity, the United Arts Club established itself as a haven for artists divergent from the era's typical private clubs.
over A Century of
Artistic Community
Artistic Community
1907 Memorandum
"...Open to both ladies and gentlemen, with features of special advantage to workers in Art, in Music and in Literature.
No institute of the kind exists at present in Dublin as a convenient place of resort in a central locality; where tea can be obtained, letters written and papers and periodicals seen.
It is believed that the club will offer many attractions both to residents in the city and to those living in the country who occasionally come to town; while on the artistic side, the programme of the Club will be one all cultivated people should be willing to further whether they themselves practise any art or not..."
For over a century, the United Arts Club has not only reflected the cultural shifts in Ireland but has also driven them.
Pioneering in its early inclusion of women and artists from all disciplines, the Club has stood as a beacon within Dublin’s artistic community, located on Upper Fitzwilliam Street—the longest Georgian Street in the world—since 1920.
Pioneering in its early inclusion of women and artists from all disciplines, the Club has stood as a beacon within Dublin’s artistic community, located on Upper Fitzwilliam Street—the longest Georgian Street in the world—since 1920.
Our Founding Vision
In 1907, amidst a fin de siècle revival of Irish art and literature, the United Arts Club was established by luminaries including W.B. Yeats, George ‘AE’ Russell, and Augusta Gregory.
Born from a desire to foster a non-sectarian and inclusive space for the arts, the Club became a sanctuary where artistic movements were fostered.
Born from a desire to foster a non-sectarian and inclusive space for the arts, the Club became a sanctuary where artistic movements were fostered.
Ellie Duncan
Constance Markievicz
1916
Members Joseph Mary Plunkett and Constance Gore-Booth were active participants in the Easter Rising. Plunkett was executed for his defiance and Gore-Booth was imprisoned.
1920
Relocated to Upper Fitzwilliam Street, securing a permanent home with collective member investment.
Opening night at United Arts Club
Portrait of William B. Yeats by Brian Gallagher
1923
William B. Yeats won the Nobel Prize for Literature, celebrated with a special dinner at the club, marking a tradition of honouring artistic achievement.
1924
Jack B. Yeats earned a silver medal at the Paris Olympics for Painting, showcasing the club's artistic diversity on an international stage.
The Liffey Swim by Jack B. Yeats
Ellie Duncan & Dermod O'Brien
1937 & 1945
The passings of Ellie Duncan and Dermod O’Brien marked transitional periods, sparking new chapters in the club's evolving history.
1970s
Known for its vibrant nightlife, the club became one of Dublin's few venues for a late-night drink, reflecting its central role in the social life of the city's artistic community.
Dermod O'Brien and members at the Nine Arts Ball
Lenny Abrahamson
2020
Thomas Ryan PRHA stepped down as President after thirty years, and was replaced by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Lenny Abrahamson, heralding a new era in the club’s history.
Artistic Democracy
The club’s ethos, encapsulated in Mrs. Duncan’s 1907 circular, promised a unique confluence of social and artistic exchanges, a tradition that thrives to this day. Every member contributes to the tapestry of the club's storied history.
Notable Past Members
Tom Casement
Joseph Mary Plunkett
George Bernard Shaw
Augusta Gregory
George "Æ" Russell
William Orpen
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Constance Markievicz
J. B. Yeats
W. B. Yeats
Erskine Childers
Join us and be part of
something extraordinary
We offer a range of membership options catering to artists, local residents and those living further afield. Membership starts at just €325 per annum for artists and €440 per annum for Town Membership
