The Grafton Academy of Dress Designing was the first Fashion Design College in Ireland, founded in 1939 by Pauline Clotworthy, a pioneer in the Irish Fashion Industry. Located in a Georgian Building, overlooking the Grand Canal, near Baggot Street Bridge, Dublin 2, the college is within easy reach of the city centres' main shopping areas, Temple Bar, Theatres and Art Galleries. The Grafton Academy is a small private and vibrant college with a very direct and practical approach to training for the Clothing Trade and Associated Industries.

The Grafton Academy offers a 3 year professional Diploma full-time day course in Fashion Design. There are other options such as half-time attendance, (5 mornings or 5 afternoons per week) or evening classes. Summer Trial and Introductory courses are also available, to enable intending students to gain an insight into Fashion Design with a "hands on" experience before making a longer commitment to the full course. All ages are welcome, young to mature. The Summer Holiday course is also an ideal opportunity for those wishing to learn how to design and make their own clothes.

With over 63 years of creativity, the Grafton Academy has played a significant role in providing a professional training for the Irish and International Clothing Industry.

The successful graduates, of whom there are many, continue to make a major contribution to the Irish Economy, both in terms of job creation and exports. Many students are from Europe, the USA, Africa and the Far East.

The Grafton Academy bases its' reputation on a very practical training which equips the graduate with skills and techniques for the garment industry, world-wide. Manufacturers apply to the college for graduates as Designers and Assistant Designers, Patternmakers for all areas of Fashion, from high street fashion, corporate wear, sportswear, lingerie, garments for advertising, television and theatre, fashion writers, stylists and buyers.