Loreto Convent, Balbriggan has long been a landmark in the town. Since its foundation, it has attracted pupils not only from the locality but from countries all
over the world. While the school itself was established in 1857, the building, which became its kernel and nerve centre for more than 120 years, can trace it origin back to the development of Balbriggan as an industrial town. This presentation discusses the history of that building - Gracefield House - and considers how it came into the possession of the Loreto order. Aspects of the development of the school, from a “dilapidated fishing lodge” catering for 12 girls to the current state of the art building, with an enrolment of 1,288 students, are presented through documents, photographs and illustrations.

Dr David Sorensen is a long-time Balbriggan local historian. He has given presentations on topics as diverse as the history of national schools in the town, Balbriggan’s famed textile heritage, Balbriggan Harbour and Balbriggan Courthouse. Most recently, along with his colleague, Petra Skyvova, he has been
involved in the establishment of Balbriggan Heritage Society and Heritage Trail.