St Patrick's College is a college of education, primarily specialising at undergraduate level in preparing students to teach in post-primary schools. The college is located in the picturesque town of Thurles, Co. Tipperary and has a rich history of religious and humanities education dating back to 1837. Accredited by the University of Limerick, the college currently offers four full-time BA in Education degrees, which prepare teachers of Religious Studies, Irish, Business and Accountancy for employment in post-primary schools. St. Patrick's College, Thurles, is a charitable institution operating under the patronage of the Archbishop of Cashel and Emly. The College opened as an educational institution in September 1837, offering second level education in the humanities, with a limited contribution from the sciences, to students wishing to prepare for priesthood as well as careers in business and other professions.In 1842 a Philosophy Department was added to the College. Prevailing poverty and hardship caused by the Famine temporarily inhibited the development of St. Patrick’s College.However, by the middle of the 1860s, the College had developed into a major seminary with the addition of a full Theological Faculty.During its long history of service to education, St. Patrick’s College has contributed significantly to society and Church here in Ireland, throughout the rest of the English-speaking world and further afield.