Culture Night 2026 at Griffith College: Dublin Heritage Tour
From Prison to Barracks to College: The Remarkable Story of Griffith College Dublin
Griffith College extends a warm welcome to you to discover the storied history of its campus.
When: Friday, 18 September 2026 | South Circular Road, Dublin 8, D08 V04N
Times: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: book via Eventbrite
(Tours at 5 PM, 6 PM and 7 PM)
Originally the site of Grimswood’s Nurseries, construction began in 1813 on a remand prison that became known as the Richmond Bridewell. Over the years, it housed notable figures such as Daniel O’Connell and James Stephens, and was the site of Joseph Poole’s execution in 1883. The prison held hundreds of inmates, including some involved in the 1916 Easter Rising. The site was renamed Wellington Barracks in 1892 and was one of the first barracks turned over after Ireland gained independence.
Renamed Griffith Barracks after Arthur Griffith in 1922, it was eventually purchased for use as a tertiary education institute in 1991 and now serves as home to Ireland’s largest independent third-level education provider.
Discover all this and more on a guided campus tour.
What You'll Experience
Each guided campus tour runs approximately 45 minutes.
You'll explore:
- The historic buildings and their architectural evolution from the 19th to 21st centuries
- The stories embedded in the walls of Ireland's independence movement and the 1916 Rising
- Key figures whose lives intersected with the site, from political prisoners to military personnel
- How a heritage space transformed into a modern educational campus whilst preserving its past
This is a rare opportunity to access a historic third-level campus and hear its full narrative from someone who knows it well.
Practical Information
When: Friday, 18 September 2026
Times: 5 pm, 6 pm and 7 pm
Where: Griffith College, South Circular Road, Dublin 8, D08 V04N
Cost: Free
Booking: Required — reserve your spot on Eventbrite
Accessibility: Parking available on campus
Who Should Come
History enthusiasts, Dubliners curious about their city's past, heritage lovers, students of Irish independence, or anyone who enjoys a well-told story about place and time.