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 450 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 in the Ref
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.
Many Clongowes students also continue their education at prestigious Russel Group and Oxbridge UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, the London School of Economics, and the University of Edinburgh. A smaller number of graduates each year go on to study at leading universities in the United States and elsewhere internationally, including Harvard University, Yale University and Princeton University.
Jesuit Ethos & Leadership Development
Our Jesuit tradition places strong emphasis on leadership, debating, critical thinking, and personal development, which helps students compete successfully for places at some of the most selective universities. Whether pursuing medicine, law, engineering, business, or the humanities, Clongowes graduates are well positioned for success at world-class institutions.
Academic Performance
Clongowes Wood College consistently ranks among Ireland’s strongest-performing secondary schools academically, with students regularly performing well above the national average. Overall, Clongowes students typically achieve 440–470 Leaving Certificate points on average, placing the school among the top-performing boarding schools in Ireland.
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 Tadgh Berne, Brian O’Driscoll, Rob Kearney, Dave Kearney, Hugo Keenan, Jamie Heaslip, Luke Fitzgerald, Tadhg Furlong, Andrew Porter, and Tomás O’Leary, many of whom have represented both Ireland and the British & Irish Lions. As such, we are one of the premier rugby development schools in Europe.
We also have strong traditions in athletics, golf, soccer, cricket, tennis, swimming, basketball, and kayaking. Clongowes regularly competes at provincial and national level, with notable success in athletics, including producing national champions and record-breaking middle-distance runners.
Join us at an Open Event
Book Your Place:
