Discover Why UK Families Choose Clongowes
Looking for a boarding school with UK-level excellence and no VAT? It’s time to discover Clongowes Wood College.
About Ireland’s Leading Boys Boarding School
Founded in 1814, we are home to 440 boys from Ireland, the UK and Internationally. Set in 550 acres of beautiful countryside, yet just 30 kilometres from Dublin Airport, we offer a warm and nurturing home-from-home for boys aged 12 – 18, where every student benefits from an all-round education. Boarding mirrors the best of family life – full of laughter, support, and values – while building independence.
- Affordable Fees – Half the price of UK fees (from c. £22,000 per annum)
- Beautiful Campus – 550 acre campus in the heart of the Co. Kildare countryside
- Convenient Location – Just 25 miles from Dublin Airport with daily direct flights connections to Manchester, Birmingham, London and more
- Full Boarding – All students board in a unique and immersive 7- day boarding experience.
- Friendships – A brotherhood that lasts a lifetime
Affordable Fees for UK Families
Ireland’s subsidised education system allows us to offer a world-class education and premium facilities at less than half the cost of UK independent boarding schools. Much like the UK’s top boarding schools, we pride ourselves on providing top sporting provision, comprehensive pastoral care, high academic attainment, and a Christian values-driven education.
Join our next Open Event and experience Ireland’s leading boys’ boarding school.
2026 – 27 Open Event Dates:
Join us for an in-person or online Open Event. We look forward to helping you discover Clongowes for your son!
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Virtual Open Evening, Thursday 1st October 2026, 6.30 – 7.30pm
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Open Morning, Saturday, 10 October 2026, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
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Virtual Open Evening, Thursday, 11 February 2027, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
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Open Morning, Saturday, 27 February 2027, March 21st 2026, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
Open Mornings include:
- A guided tour of the college and boarding facilities
- Opportunities to meet Headmaster, Mr Chris Lumb, teachers, boarding staff, and current students
- Hands-on activities for prospective pupils, including science, art, sport, swimming, and golf
- An informal lunch with staff and senior students
Our Virtual Open Evenings are one-hour live webinars hosted on Zoom, covering academics, boarding life, student experiences, and a live Q&A session. They are ideal for families who cannot attend in person.
Families who are unable to attend either event can also arrange a private family visit during term time.
Book Your Place!
“The facilities are extraordinary. So far in First Year, it has been an amazing experience with great teaching and a lot of sport being played. I’ve really enjoyed it – especially with all the fun you get to have on away matches for rugby or even in your free time with all your mates. It’s easy to fit in even when you’re overseas and you will have no problem making friends.” – Thomas, UK student, Aged 12
Leaver’s Destinations & Alumni Success
We have a long-standing reputation for preparing students for admission to some of Ireland’s and the world’s leading universities. Each year, graduates progress to highly respected institutions, with many securing places at Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin, as well as other top Irish universities including the University of Galway and University College Cork.
Some Clongowes students also continue their education at prestigious Russel Group and Oxbridge UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, the London Shool of Economics, and the University of Edinburgh. A smaller number of graduates each year go on to study at leading universities in the North America and elsewhere internationally, including Georgetown University, Westpoint Military Academy and The University of Toronto.
Jesuit Ethos & Leadership Development
Our Jesuit tradition places strong emphasis on leadership, debating, critical thinking, and personal development. Our ethos places the person at the heart of all we do and can be summed up as cura personalis – care for the whole person. We encourage boys to be ‘men for others’ who recognise their responsibility to others – using their gifts and talents in the service of the common good, fostering compassion, justice and a commitment to building a better world for all.
Academic Performance
Clongowes Wood College consistently ranks among Ireland’s strongest-performing secondary schools academically, with students regularly performing well above the national average. Over the past 3 years (2023-2025) Clongowes students achieved an average of 506 Leaving Certificate points, against a national average for boys in the same period of 410 points. The dedication of our teachers and staff to support our students, coupled with the structures and programmes to help students focus on their studies help our students achieve some of the best Leaving Certificate results in the country.
Sporting Achievements
Our campus in the Kildare countryside offers unparalleled opportunities for sport and leisure – from our numerous rugby pitches and tennis courts, on-site golf course and indoor simulator, and full-sized indoor pool. We have has produced an exceptional number of international rugby players, including Tadhg Beirne, Dan Sheehan, Rob Kearney, Dave Kearney, Gordon D’Arcy, Fergus McFadden, Ed Byrne, Will Connors and Brian Carney. We aim to offer premier rugby development opportunities to our students with our fantastic facilities and ambitious coaches.
We also have strong programmes in athletics, golf, soccer, cricket, tennis, swimming, basketball, and kayaking. Clongowes students regularly competes at provincial and national level, with notable success in athletics, including producing national champions and international sportsmen.
Join us at an Open Event
Book Your Place:
