For the next 200 years the society was to lead a rather nomadic existence until the penultimate move to Leinster House in 1814. When the Dublin Science and Art Museums Act of 1877 transferred control of the Library, Museum, Botanical Gardens and School of Art from the Society to the Government the compensation money was used to lease 15 acres in Ballsbridge. From 1881 the Spring and Horse Shows were held there.

The Agricultural Hall was removed from Kildare Street and re-erected in Ballsbridge to become the South Hall. Further building and land acquisition took place which reached a peak following the arrival of all the RDS departments after the Free State Government commandeered Leinster House in 1923.

The 1950s saw much needed expansion across the Simmonscourt Road which culminated in 1972 with the purchase of the Masonic Girls' Orphanage (now part of Bewley's Hotel) and its adjoining land. The gigantic 3½ acre (1.4 hectare) Simmonscourt Pavilion dates from 1974. This structure is surmounted by a weathervane representing the legendary Arkle ridden by Pat Taffe. The Showgrounds are still the home to the fashionable International Horse Show every August.

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