Welcome

Ideally located, An Grianán is just 10 kilometres from Drogheda town centre and has pedestrian access to the beautiful sandy beaches, some of the longest on the East coast. With ample opportunity to enjoy a wide range of indoor and outdoor pursuits, why not find a course that is right for you and come and join us learn a new skill, meet up with friends, relax and enjoy our unique experience. 

An Grianán is of immense historical significance with its original form dating back over 220 years ago. This college was the first residential adult education centre in Ireland and has its roots in the Irish Countrywomen’s Association – the oldest and largest women’s association in Ireland. 

This beautiful stately home was built in the 18th Century by the McClintock family and called Newtown House. In 1852 it was sold to a Drogheda merchant and shipbuilder called Ralph Smyth and in the early 1920’s it was bought by Helen Lentaigne, who allowed the newly constituted Irish Countrywomen’s Association to use Newtown House as a venue for one of the first ICA Summer Schools during the 1930’s. In July 1945 Mrs Lentaigne sold Newtown House to the Irish Tourist Board, who renovated the premises and opened the house as Tearman Hotel. 

The seeds of An Grianán were sown in 1952, when Muriel Gahan of the ICA proposed the idea for a residential college for social and educational purposes to Dr Morris, of the WK Kellogg Foundation of America, through a chance introduction. It was purchased and entrusted for the benefit of the people of Ireland. In October 1954 it was officially opened by the then President of Ireland Seán T O’Kelly. Dr Donal O’Sullivan, Director of Folk Music and Song at UCD and Trinity College conducted the first course