The Grand Hotel Greystones (later known as the La Touche Hotel) opened its doors in 1894.  It initially catered to the Anglo-Irish elite and wealthy British tourists who came to the area with the expansion of the railway. Designed by architect William M. Mitchell, the luxurious hotel boasted 40 rooms, a billiards room, a smoking room, and a ladies' dining room. Famously, during the Irish War of Independence, Michael Collins proposed to Kitty Kiernan at the hotel in 1921.  The Grand Hotel gradually declined over the 20th century and closed its doors in 2004.

The La Touches contributed to the development of Greystones' roads, hotels, and Protestant churches. They helped shape the Victorian seaside town, though primarily for the benefit of the wealthy elite. Today, while the La Touche name remains associated with Greystones, their once-powerful dynasty has faded into history, leaving behind only remnants of their legacy in the town’s historical records and infrastructure.  For more information see http://latouchelegacy.com/