An Grianán celebrates it’s
diamond jubilee in style

Today the ICA celebrates the Diamond Anniversary (60 years) of the tenure of An Grianán their Adult

Education Centre.

Gifted by the Kellogg Foundation in 1954 for the education of the people of Ireland it was first

Residential Adult Education College in Ireland.

An Grianán was opened by the National President of the day Miss Alice Ryan and the President Sean

T O’Kelly opened the door of the house with a wrought iron key and planted a plum tree on the lawn.

An Grianán is owned and run by the ICA and continues to be a haven for learning for men and women alike. It was extended in the 1980s to include a new accommodation wing, a series of 4 star self- catering

bungalows and a Horticulture College which sadly closed in 2002.

Many changes have taken place in recent years including renovations of the original Walled Garden

and new en-suite bathrooms have been added to the bedrooms in the accommodation block.

Many courses are taught in An Grianán including everything from Heritage Crafts like Mountmellick

lace to more modern activities like laughter yoga and upcycling.

Today the current National President Liz Wall will welcome eight former National Presidents to

the event who will all speak on their memories of the day. Camilla Hannon 1979 - 1982, Mamo

McDonald 1982 - 1985 Ina Broughall 1985 - 1988, Kitty Harlin 1988 - 1991, Sally Ward 1997 (only in

office for a short while), Eva Coyle 1997 - 2000, Breda Raggett 2000 - 2003, Ann Murray 2003 - 2006,

Carmel Dawson 2006 - 2009 and Anne Maria Dennison 2009 – 2012.

The ICA has 10,000 members, 27 Federation or county groups and 563 Guilds nationwide.

We offer fun, friendship and support to the women of Ireland.