[2] Named after its location on the road that was once home to the original Jameson whisky distillery, graduates of its Full Time Programme include Niamh Algar, Ann Skelly, Leah McNamara, Niamh McCormack, Dónall Ó Héalai and Laurence O’Fuairan[3] The school was originally known as The Factory when it was based in Dublin's docklands.

Students at that time included Barry Keoghan, Jack Reynor, Brian Gleeson and Louisa Harland.

[5][6][7][8] At its launch, filmmaker Jim Sheridan said "I'm delighted to see The Factory evolve into Bow Street Academy for Screen Acting.

I've seen first hand the extraordinary calibre of actors coming through its programme for screen acting – both in class and on set.

[citation needed] The school offers a range of programs, masterclasses and courses including the web series ‘Bow Street Meets’ featuring interviews with Oscar Isaac, Saoirse Ronan, Andrew Garfield, Fiona Shaw, Brendan Gleeson, Richard E. Grant, Domhnall Gleeson, Hugo Weaving, Richard Dreyfus, Lenny Abrahamson, and Leo Davis.