 In 1782 the college opened its doors to students of philosophy and theology, the first college in Ireland to do so.The first location of the college was at Burrell's Hall, James Street, Kilkenny, which is now the location of Saint Mary's Cathedral (the seat of the Bishop of Ossory) and the Irish Christian Brothers secondary school.It was later moved to the present location of the Loreto Convent Girls' Secondary School, Granges Road, Kilkenny.