History of the College

St Patrick's College was established in 1875 to meet the teacher training needs of a denominational primary school system. The College was initially based at numbers 1 & 2 Drumcondra Road, moving to its present site at Belvedere House in 1883. During the Presidency of Fr. Peter Byrne CM, in the 1880s and 1890s, an extensive building programme was undertaken which, along with a second major phase of development completed in 1966 during the Presidency of Dr Donal Cregan C.M. and a third completed in 1982, still forms the core of the campus.

The administration of the College was placed in the care of the Vincentian fathers where it remained until 1 September 1999. In 1999, the Vincentians withdrew from the management of the College. On 1 September, Dr Pauric Travers was appointed first lay President of the College

The College quickly became and remains the alma mater for a large proportion of Irish primary teachers. Its graduates have made a distinguished contribution to the educational, social and cultural life of the country. Originally an all-male College, female students were admitted for the first time in 1971; they now constitute a large majority of the student population.

In 1974, the three-year B.Ed degree for teachers was introduced and the College became a recognised College of the NUI. In 1993, under an agreement for Institutional Linkage, St Patrick's College became a College of Dublin City University. This was followed by the inauguration of an Academic Council. In 1997, Archbishop Connell, the Manager, constituted a Governing Body, chaired by Professor Michael Herity. Under the linkage agreement with Dublin City University, two new joint Faculties were created: the Joint Faculty of Education and the Joint Faculty of Humanities.

In the early 1990s, the College embarked on a process of growth and diversification which culminated in the introduction of a variety of new programmes including a B.A. and M.A. in Humanities, a taught M.Ed and Ph.D by research. The development in the Humanities field built on an existing tradition and complements the educational work of the College.

The College has also had a long involvement in the area of Special Education. In 1961, a course for training teachers of children with learning difficulties was established. In 1973, an award bearing course was established to train remedial teachers in primary schools. The College currently offers graduate diplomas in advanced studies in Special Education and in Learning Support.

Mature students have played a significant role in the life of the College since its foundation. Today, approximately 25% of places on our BA in Humanities degree (one of the highest percentages in the country) and a smaller number of places on our B.Ed. programme are reserved for mature students. The academic achievements of our mature students give just cause for pride and their presence continues to enrich the life of the College.

Last Updated: Thursday September 21 2006