O'Brien Institute


The O'Brien Institute is a building complex in Dublin, Ireland. Built in 1880–1883 as an orphan home and school, it is currently used by Dublin Fire Brigade as a training centre. The purchase of the land and building costs were financed by a trust that was founded by Bridget O'Brien in 1876. The last of the boarders left in 1976, when the school closed, at the time it was run by the Christian Brothers.
The architect was John Joseph O'Callaghan. The original buildings of the Institution are listed buildings, number 4940 in the Dublin City Development Plan 2005-2011.

Building phase

Construction commenced in 1880. The contractors were Messrs. Hammond and Co., based in Dublin and Drogheda, J.J. O'Callaghan carried out the superintendence himself.
In August 1883 the works were nearly finished. The Irish builder described the building's chapel:
The Dublin newspapers wrote that the chapel "adds much to the general architectural effect", and added:
Next to the Institute is the Casino at Marino folly.