Clongowes Wood College

Founded in 1814, Clongowes Wood College is one of Ireland’s oldest and most successful boarding schools. We are committed to the provision of the highest quality Catholic education in the Jesuit tradition. Our school is a 7-day boarding school with 430 boys aged 12 – 18 on roll.

Located in beautiful rural surroundings and just 20 miles from Dublin, the College is situated on a 500-acre estate in the heart of County Kildare. The College is home for much of the year for boys from all 4 provinces of Ireland and abroad.

The Headmaster is in full membership of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC) alongside other UK and Overseas colleagues. Clongowes has also recently joined UK schools in membership of the Catholic Independent Schools Conference (CISC).

Our primary objective is to provide an environment where students not only learn more about spirituality and the Christian faith, but also try to integrate their own spirituality into daily living. We strive to create an open, happy, stimulating, mutually respectful and supportive community where young people are able to develop the full range of their talents and academic abilities in a balanced, integrated and generous way, aiming for excellence in all that they do. Clongowes provides a great variety of experiences which support our students in their personal development by creating an atmosphere of openness, acceptance and a willingness to search.

Historically, Clongowes has educated many pupils who have gone on to play important roles in Irish political, economic, social, sporting and literary life. The boys are regularly reminded that privilege carries responsibilities and that everyone has an obligation to strive for the betterment of society.