Boarding Schools
About Clongowes Wood College SJ
Established in 1814, Clongowes is Ireland’s leading 7-day boarding school for boys aged from 12 years old. A Catholic school in the Jesuit tradition, they aim to develop young men of conscience, compassion and competence, and are home to 450 boys from Ireland and further afield. Clongowes offers a broad academic programme, as well as a diverse co-curricular programme of sports, drama, debating and music. That which sets them apart is their approach to ‘the care of the individual’—nourishing each boy’s talents and supporting them on a pastoral level. Clongowes is a very special place, set in 550 acres just 40 minutes from Dublin airport.
Curriculum: Irish education is broad and balanced. Clongowes is a non-selective school with a wide range of learning styles and abilities supported by their dedicated staff. The teaching and learning programme is across six years, with state exams at Junior Certificate (3rd year) and Leaving Certificate at 6th year.
Highlights
- Cohesive boarding community of all 7-day boarders
- Excellent facilities and co-curricular programmes
- Irish education system is broad and balanced
- Convenient location for airport
2025-26
Years 1, 2 or 3
Annual Fee
€25,405
Years 4 and above
Annual Fee
€29,216
Sibling discount of 7.5% for 2nd brother if both brothers are attending at the same time. For three brothers 10% is given for the 2nd boy and 20% for the 3rd and subsequent boys.
Facilities
Facilities for living and learning are top class, including an abundance of rugby and soccer pitches, a golf course and golf simulator, athletics track, cricket pitch, tennis courts, basketball courts (indoor and outdoor), very large sports hall, weights gym, 25m indoor swimming pool, music practice rooms, modern science and computer labs, the James Joyce Library, co-operative learning spaces etc.
Extracurricular Activities
Clongowes believes that learning extends beyond the classroom-based curriculum and so their co-curricular programme is rich and varied. It includes their orchestra, three choirs, traditional Irish music group, debating, drama, art, structured study in the evening, many sports on site, including rugby, soccer, GAA, golf, athletics, swimming, cricket, basketball, tennis etc. They have a full competitive fixture list for all sports with visiting teams and trips to other schools throughout the year.
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Last updated: 12 November, 2025