The Centre opened in 1995 on the site of the demolished Literary Institute. The Literary Institute was built in 1876. It was donated to the town by Doctor Crerand from Illistrin and opened by the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, Lord O'Hagan.
A new institution emerged in 1995 on the location previously occupied by the Literary Institute, which had been demolished. The Literary Institute, built in 1876, was a gift to the town from Doctor Crerand of Illistrin and officially opened by Lord O'Hagan, Ireland's Lord Chancellor.