Welcome to the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design, the first fashion design school in Ireland. Established in 1938, we are celebrating 80 years of creativity. With a long tradition of design and tailoring, we specialise in the teaching of design, pattern drafting and garment construction. We offer a 3 year, full-time professional Fashion Design Diploma course to enable you to work within the fashion industry. Our practical and hands-on approach to learning encourages talent, but also provides order and structure enabling the students to learn the essential skills of design development, portfolio presentation, pattern cutting, prototyping and garment construction. In addition to the Diploma course, we have other short time courses in Fashion Design, Dressmaking and Millinery. All ages welcome. A diverse range of people apply to the Grafton Academy, school leavers and mature applicants who may want a career and educational break or to gain insight into a career in fashion design. We have strong links with the fashion industry and our graduates go on to become designers, assistant designers and pattern cutters with major design studios and manufacturers. They work in all areas of fashion ranging from high street brands, evening, bridal, couture, lingerie, children’s, corporate, performance sports and menswear. Other career opportunities include fashion writing, stylist, buyer, designing and making costumes for wardrobe, theatre, film, television and dance. Many of our graduates are currently working in design houses in Dublin, London, Paris, NY and Milan. Numerous graduates have set up companies within Ireland and abroad and continue to make a major contribution to the Irish economy, both in terms of job creation and exports. Situated in the heart of Dublin, we occupy a lovely Georgian building overlooking the Grand Canal and close to all city centre amenities; shopping, culture, entertainment and easy transport links.