The Grafton Academy of Dress Designing was the first Fashion Design College in Ireland, founded in 1938 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. In April 2008, The Grafton Academy celebrated its' 70th Anniversary with a fashion Show of Grafton Academy Alumni and current students.

The Grafton Academy is a small private and vibrant college offering a 3 year full-time professional Fashion Design course for the Irish and International Clothing trade. The approach to teaching continues to be a non academic, very practical experience with development of Design and Portfolio, Fashion Forecasting, Pattern Making and Garment Assembly. The training equips the graduates with excellent skills and techniques that are essential for working in the Clothing Trade and Associated Industries, worldwide.

Through the years, students have won many awards in both National and International competitions.

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. Numerous graduates have set up companies, some now operating with off-shore facilities.

To maintain the highest of standards, the Grafton Academy has continuous examinations and assessments throughout the Diploma course.

Manufacturers apply to the college for graduates as Designers, Assistant Designers, Pattern Makers for all areas of Fashion, from high street fashion, corporate wear, sportswear, lingerie, garments for advertising, television, film, fashion writers, stylists and buyers.