A Brief History of Clongowes

Clongowes Wood College is one of the oldest Catholic schools in all of Ireland. This secondary boarding school for boys is located close to Clane, Co. Kildare, and was founded by the Jesuits in 1814. The school has a very rich history and a number of its pupils have gone on to distinguished careers in their chosen fields. Read on for a brief history of Clongowes.

Early Days

The name Clongowes originates from the Irish words for meadow (cluain) and blacksmith (gobha). The school was once part of a 799-acre estate owned by the Wogan family in 1418, and the area was originally known as Clongowes de Silva. The estate was sold to the Jesuits by the Wogan-Brownes in March 1814 for a total of £16,000.

In the Present

Clongowes is one of first Jesuit schools still running in Ireland, and had a student count of 450 during the 2011/2012 terms. 

Clongowes is renowned for their strong rugby team, and have won the Leinster Schools Rugby Senior Cup on eight separate occasions. The school won its first title in 1978, but there was a 52-year gap between this and their next win in 1978. Clongowes have appeared in 13 Leinster Cup finals, more than any other school in the competition.

Famous Pupils

Clongowes teaches local, national and international students. A large number of its former students went on to gain recognition in their chosen professions. Noted past pupils include writer James Joyce, former Taoiseach John Bruton and businessman Michael Smurfit. The school has also produce a large number of international rugby stars such as Gordon D’Arcy, Rob Kearney and Fergus McFadden.

Clongowes is regarded as one of the most prestigious secondary schools in the whole country. Situated in the scenic Clane countryside, the school is known for its famous past pupils and strong rugby association.

Remember to call into us here at Zest if you’re in the area and relax with a Matthew Algie coffee.