Kildare Street and University Club was formed upon the amalgamation of the Kildare Street Club, founded 1782, and the Dublin University Club, founded 1850.

17 St Stephen’s Green is a fine example of early Georgian Dublin architecture. It was built in 1776 for Joseph Leeson, who later became the 1st Earl of Milltown. His country Palladian mansion was Russborough House, Co. Wicklow. It was let to a succession of tenants, including three Irish Lords Chancellor, Lord Plunket, John Campbell (later Lord Campbell) and Edward Sugden (later Lord St Leonards).

The building has been continuously used as a club since 1851, when it was purchased by the then fledgling Dublin University Club.