As in some other countries, the history of Educational Studies in Ireland reveals a rather chequered pattern. Periods of breakthrough, promise and serious concern for their promotion have sometimes been succeeded by periods when the approach to the subject was unimaginative, instrumental and intellectually shallow.1 In Ireland the early part of the century was one of promise and achievement regarding Educational Studies, but it was succeeded by a more mundane, unimaginative epoch. The period since the mid-sixties has recorded many striking achievements in rebuilding Educational Studies in general, and in their relationship with teacher education; but it has also been an era of challenge to Educational Studies. This paper seeks to trace and analyse the progress made and how challenges have been met.