St Patrick’s College, Maynooth opened its doors as an educational institution in 1795 and, over the intervening two centuries, it has established for itself an impressive reputation for scholarship and learning. The college and seminary are often referred to as Maynooth College. Today, as a Pontifical University, the College specialises in the study of theology and philosophy and related areas. St Patrick's College, Maynooth (Irish: Coláiste Naoimh Phádraig, Maigh Nuad), is the "National Seminary for Ireland" (a Roman Catholic college), and a Pontifical University, located in the village of Maynooth, 24 km from Dublin, Ireland. In 2015-16 there were approximately 80 men studying for the priesthood at Maynooth, 60 resident seminarians and approximately 20 non residents. The college and seminary are often referred to as Maynooth College. The college was officially established as the Royal College of St Patrick by an Act of Grattan's Parliament in 1795. Thomas Pelham, the Secretary of State, introduced his Bill for the foundation of a Catholic college, and this was enacted by Parliament.