The Royal University of Ireland was the successor to the Queen's University of Ireland, dissolved in 1882, and the graduates, professors, students and colleges of that predecessor were transferred to the new university. The Royal University was a degree awarding body, which operated on St Stephen’s green between 1880 and 1909. It was succeeded by the National University of Ireland in 1909. It awarded degrees to University College, Dublin with which it was shared premises on St Stephen’s Green as well as to other colleges and schools. University College was the successor to the Catholic University, established by Cardinal Newman and from 1882-1908, it was administered by the Jesuits.
The examinations and the awarding of degrees were carried out by the fellows (teachers) of University College on behalf of the Royal University.