The society was formed in 1949, co-founded by Gerard Anthony Hayes-McCoy,[2] and has published its official journal; The Irish Sword, continuously since then. The society organises frequent lectures, conferences,[3] field trips and tours.[4] In 2009 the society had 700 members.[5]
The current president of the society is Harman Murtagh and Donal O'Carroll was former president.[6]