[3] Dublin received its first presentation of "talking pictures" in April 1914 when Thomas Edison's Kinetophone technology was demonstrated at the Grafton.

[4] In late 1913 or early 1914, nationalists disrupted the programme on several occasions due to the inclusion of a British Army recruitment film.

Éamon de Valera, President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State attended, as well as various dignitaries from politics and the arts.

During the 1960s, the Grafton also became a popular late-night venue for folk and traditional Irish music concerts, featuring artists such as sean-nós singer, Seosamh Ó hÉanaí, fiddler, Martin Fay, and tin whistle player, Seán Potts.

[10] By the early 1970s, rental incomes and property values in Grafton Street had risen significantly due to intensifying competition within the retail sector in one of the city's prime shopping districts.