President’s Welcome

The University Philosophical Society, lovingly called ‘the Phil’, is Trinity College Dublin’s hub for student discourse. Situated the historic Graduate’s Memorial Building at the centre of Trinity’s campus, the Phil has spent the last 342 years providing a home for important conversations, both in Dublin and worldwide. Our 10,000 members make us the largest active student society in Ireland, engaging with students all over campus. Phil alumni go on to change the world, and include figures such as Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, Bram Stoker, Egbert Udo Udoma, and Mary Harney. 

The Phil endeavors to host events that speak to all of its members. Our Thursday night debates are a weekly highlight of the college calendar, bringing students and staff in to listen, speak, and enjoy free wine at the afters. Beyond debates, we also host trainings, competitions, round-tables, and our famous on-campus parties in the GMB. As the Phil has offered more events each year, we have also been proud to see Phil subcommittees continue to expand access to the Phil as they have grown.

Each year, the Phil welcomes a few individuals to Dublin to be awarded the status of Honorary Patron of the society, recognizing their contributions to discourse in their fields. Past Honorary Patrons have included President Michael D. Higgins, Stephen Colbert, Whoopi Goldberg, Daniel O’Donnell, and Bernie Sanders. These amazing guest interviews are open to all Phil members, and we’d advise members to keep an eye on our weekly emails to get updates on who will be visiting the Phil next. 

If you’re a current Trinity student looking to get involved in the Phil, you can purchase Phil membership through the link in Trinity’s Central Societies Committee website- €6 membership lasts for four years and covers admission to all debates, Honorary Patronage ceremonies, trainings, competitions, and weekly afters. Follow us on Instagram @tcdphil to stay updates on all Phil events. If you’re a Phil alum, we’d love to hear from you as well. Feel free to connect with us on LinkedIn through the University Philosophical Society Alumni Network page, or send us an email at emc@tcdphil.com to be added to our monthly alumni newsletter. 

Wherever you are in the world, we are excited to welcome you to the Phil.