Griffith College Opens Gates to Public for Culture Night 2025

On 19th September 2025, Griffith College opened its historic South Circular Road campus to the public in celebration of Culture Night 2025, offering attendees a rare opportunity to explore its storied past. The tour, led by historian and guide John Dorney, traced the the footsteps of historical figures like Daniel O’Connell and the 1916 Rising detainees, all while absorbing the architectural and cultural evolution of the site.

The campus is known for its rich and storied history, from its construction in 1813 as Grimswood Nurseries to its use as a remand prison known as the Richmond Bridewell. Later, it was known as Wellington Barracks, which housed prisoners from the 1916 Easter Rising. It was one of the first barracks turned over by the British Army to the Irish Free State and was later renamed Griffith Barracks. 

Today, it's home to Ireland's largest independent third-level education provider, and was named after Arthur Griffith with the permission of his family.

We would like to extend a big Thank You to John Dorney and to all who attended - we're already looking forward to next year's Culture Night at Griffith College!