Steeped in History since 1867
The striking architecture of Scholars’ Townhouse Hotel dates back to 1867, when it was built as a Christian Brothers monastery. Designed by world famous architects Ashlin and Pugin, its Belfast red brick and Victorian décor still define the building today.
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​It served as a home for the Christian Brothers and as a school for generations of Drogheda boys for over 100 years. Indeed, many of the interior walls of the hotel today are decorated with the memories and photos of those who passed through the school’s doors down through the decades.
Among those educated at the school were Éamonn Ceannt – signatory on the 1916 Irish Proclamation of Independence – and ‘Irishman of the 20th Century,’ economist and diplomat, TK Whitaker. Perhaps the school’s most famous former resident was John Philip Holland.
While serving as a Christian Brother, Holland taught in the school during its early years. In 1873, he emigrated to the US, where he would later develop the first ever submarine to be formally commissioned by the US Navy.
A commemorative monument today stands beside the Scholars Townhouse Hotel gardens to honour the former teacher’s remarkable achievements.
In 2001, the building was purchased by the McGowan family, who themselves have a rich history, with over 100 years’ experience working in the Irish hospitality sector. They transformed the location into a boutique hotel, featuring an award-winning restaurant and gastrolounge.
Since its opening in 2005, the hotel has received a number of accolades, including Best Hotel Restaurant in County Louth on five separate occasions, and two AA rosettes for culinary excellence by the Restaurants Association of Ireland.
Steeped in History since 1867
The striking architecture of Scholars’ Townhouse Hotel dates back to 1867, when it was built as a Christian Brothers monastery. Designed by world famous architects Ashlin and Pugin, its Belfast red brick and Victorian décor still define the building today.
​
​It served as a home for the Christian Brothers and as a school for generations of Drogheda boys for over 100 years. Indeed, many of the interior walls of the hotel today are decorated with the memories and photos of those who passed through the school’s doors down through the decades.
Among those educated at the school were Éamonn Ceannt – signatory on the 1916 Irish Proclamation of Independence – and ‘Irishman of the 20th Century,’ economist and diplomat, TK Whitaker. Perhaps the school’s most famous former resident was John Philip Holland.
While serving as a Christian Brother, Holland taught in the school during its early years. In 1873, he emigrated to the US, where he would later develop the first ever submarine to be formally commissioned by the US Navy.
A commemorative monument today stands beside the Scholars Townhouse Hotel gardens to honour the former teacher’s remarkable achievements.
In 2001, the building was purchased by the McGowan family, who themselves have a rich history, with over 100 years’ experience working in the Irish hospitality sector. They transformed the location into a boutique hotel, featuring an award-winning restaurant and gastrolounge.
Since its opening in 2005, the hotel has received a number of accolades, including Best Hotel Restaurant in County Louth on five separate occasions, and two AA rosettes for culinary excellence by the Restaurants Association of Ireland.
