Carlow College is located in Carlow town, Ireland. Known locally as St Patrick’s College, it is one of Ireland’s oldest third level educational institutions. Set on parkland close to the town centre the college attracts students from all over Ireland studying Humanities and Social Care. The College has partnerships with universities in the United States including Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Carlow College was founded in 1782 by the then Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin Dr James O’ Keeffe. It was built on a 4 acre site, which had been leased for 999 years from Mr Walter Fishbourne. Both lay students and those studying for the priesthood were educated there up until 1892. From 1840 to 1879 primary degree awards in Carlow College were accredited by the University of London. During those years students studying at Carlow College were awarded B.A. and LL.B degrees from the London University.
In 1879 when the University Education (Ireland) Act was passed Carlow College came under the Catholic University of Ireland. As a consequence Carlow College became affiliated to the newly established Royal University of Ireland, an examining and degree-awarding university based on the model of the University of London. From 1892 until 1987 the College operated principally as a seminary and it is estimated that over 3,000 priests were ordained in Carlow.
During the 1990’s Carlow College ceased to operate as a seminary. It is now a lay college catering for a student population of over 700. The College offers primary and post graduate degrees in the areas of Humanities and Social Studies.
The first President of Carlow College was Rev. Dr. Henry Staunton. Often referred to as Dean Staunton he was a Native of Paulstown Co Kilkenny. He served as President until 1814. In all there have been twenty Presidents since the foundation of the college. The current President, Fr. Conn Ó Maoldhomhnaigh from Co Tipperary, was appointed in 2015.
Carlow College accepted its first student for enrolment in the year 1793 On This Day.
Carlow College
Carlow College