The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) has entered a new strategic partnership with Levy Ireland, the sports and hospitality catering specialist and part of Compass Group, to lead all food and beverage operations across Ireland's largest multi-purpose venue at its 43-acre Ballsbridge campus in Dublin.

Compass Group reported that the appointment coincides with the ongoing redevelopment of the Laya Arena, which will feature a new 6,700-plus capacity Anglesea Stand, premium hospitality suites and the conversion of the former St Mary's Church into The Grand Hall as a dedicated hospitality space, with the arena's future capacity set to exceed 20,000.

Levy Ireland will deliver a fully integrated hospitality offering spanning sport, live entertainment, conferences, exhibitions and flagship events including the Dublin Horse Show, bringing together food, beverage and event catering under a single operational structure across the RDS estate.

Sustainability is central to the partnership, with Levy Ireland removing all air-freighted fruit and vegetables from its supply chain, prioritising locally sourced Irish produce to support domestic farmers and reduce food miles, alongside a seasonal menu approach and a head-to-tail culinary philosophy.

Paul Kelly, CEO of the RDS, said the partnership marks an important step forward as the venue continues to evolve, and that Levy brings global best practice and international innovation to help position the RDS not only as a premier Irish venue, but as a destination of choice for international events and conferences.

Barry Storey, managing director of Levy Ireland, said the firm is proud to be working with the RDS at such a pivotal moment, adding that the food strategy, championing a head-to-tail culinary philosophy, sourcing meat from Ireland, and utilising seasonal Irish produce, ensures menus are as sustainable as they are exceptional.

Read the full details of the RDS and Levy Ireland hospitality partnership.