In 1904, the first women were admitted to Trinity College. However, that did not mean that women were allowed to participate totally in college life, rendered unable to join any of the student societies on campus. Societies can allow you some of the most amazing opportunities and memories throughout your college years and the first women in Trinity were not prepared to give that up. This led to the founding of The Dublin University Elizabethan Society (The Eliz) in 1905.

The Eliz was a female-only debating society, sending teams to the Irish Times National Debating Championship relatively early in the competition’s history. It also hosted many debates, paper discussions, group discussions and the Eliz Garden Party which was considered one of the social highlights of Trinity term in the college. Each year the society welcomed esteemed guests to speak on topics regarding the history, the societal limitations of women and feminism. These included such guests as Ninette de Valois, dancer and founder of The Royal Ballet, who visited in late 1964 to celebrate the society's 60th year.

In the 1960s, debates began concening whether or not The Phil and The Eliz should merge, with much controversy. In 1967, Elizabeth Hall became the first female member of The Phil and, in 1981, the two societies finally merged. Reports show that this majorly increased female membership and increased debating within the Phil.

The Eliz is no longer in session as a symbolic gesture. In the past, the highest ranking female officer of the Phil is given the honorary title of President of the Elizabethan Society but as of 2024, Eliz President is now an elected role. We strive to ensure that we still celebrate The Eliz and what it did for the first women in Trinity when they were told they couldn’t totally be part of college life. The Eliz continues to champion the voices of women and gender minorities within the debating world and beyond, hosting chamber debates weekly debate trainings, round table discussions, social events and much more.

To keep up to date with the Eliz, follow us on social media: @tcdeliz