The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) has striven to extend the boundaries of medical knowledge since its foundation in 1784, by Royal Charter granted by King George III of Great Britain and Ireland. Established to provide education and training in surgery, RCSI today regulates surgical training in Ireland, and operates the country's largest medical school. It is the largest institute of its kind in the world, drawing students from 45 countries, and is a leader in medical research and healthcare management.

Providing a full range of courses and examinations in Surgery, Anaesthesia, Radiology, Dentistry and Nursing at post graduate level, the College also offers postgraduate programmes in Ophthalmology, Children's Health, Tropical Medicine, Sports Medicine, Otolaryngology, Healthcare MBA (in association with University College Dublin) and International Health and Nursing. Additionally, RCSI provides medical expertise to foreign governments on a contractual basis, conducting training courses and examinations for Ministries of Health throughout the Middle East. RCSI is the only medical institution in Ireland to develop its own Clinical Research Centre (CRC).