Clongowes Wood College S.J. is deeply grateful to the many individuals and families who through their support of the college in so many different ways have made these developments possible. They not only enhance the living and learning environment of the College but also make an invaluable contribution to the spirit of our school. We thank you most sincerely.

May our Lord God, who does not leave without reward those who act charitably,
give you generous recompense and prize in the heavenly country. (St Aloysius Gonzaga S.J.)

The James Joyce Library

The construction of the James Joyce Library was completed in October, 2008.  The library will provide students with regular access to quality reading materials and in time will include a collection of c.10,000 books, research papers and periodicals.  It includes areas for formal and information study, reading research and multi-media facilities and two peer tutor rooms for group study.

The 695m2 library is built in the theatre renovated by architect Paddy Fletcher (OC’70) of A&D Wejchert & Partners.  It encompasses a conservatory area and, together with the recently renovated Lower Line Study, it is expected to become a centre for reading, learning and academic life at Clongowes.  The library is an inviting room – spacious, comfortable, cosy and bright.The cataloguing process is currently underway and a new computerised Library Management System has been implemented.  The system will allow the library catalogue to be searched from a number of computers that will be located in the library and also from any networked computer in the college.  The system is similar to those operating in Irish public libraries and, college and university libraries.

Serpentine Gallery

Renovation & Integration of the Castle & Serpentine Gallery

The castle and community living quarters were given a new lease of life in 2004 when they were completely renovated and restored.  Along with a new dining room and kitchen, there is now a lift that serves all four floors.  The major structural change of the project was the new Serpentine Gallery which now links the castle to the college.  The fine presentation showcases on the ground floor enable some of the exhibits from the college archives to be displayed to best effect, thanks to the large glasshouse-type roof, which provides great light and the impression of spaciousness.  One of the main aims of the renovation project was to ensure the reintegration of the castle into the general life of the college.  This has been achieved through the relocation of the Headmaster’s office to the castle and the completion of a new staff room, staff computer room and a proper archives/museum room.

Vincent Murray Park

A new floodlit all-weather sports pitch was added to the sports facilities of the college in November, 2004.  The pitch was a gift from former parent Sean Dunne, who dedicated it to the memory of Vincent Murray, much beloved late assistant headmaster and senior rugby coach who made such a huge contribution to the development of rugby at the college.  The pitch has become a very popular, integral feature of the sports campus of the college and has allowed the boys to train in all weather and later in the evenings during the winter.  The pitch is also used for training purposes by the Irish rugby team and other professional rugby squads.

Lower Line Study

The Lower Line study was renovated, re-floored and repainted, with new desks, lighting and computer access points installed.  It is integrated into the James Joyce Library and now stands as a fitting resource and wonderful facility for the boys to study and work.

Renovation of the Boys'Chapel

The renewal and renovation of the Boys’ Chapel was completed with new lighting installed to take advantage of the contours and architecture of the chapel, and a new sound system which has improved the sound quality.  The interior was also repainted, masonry restored, and a new carpet fitted for the altar.  A number of friends of Clongowes also contributed to the project by kindly directly assisting with the renovation work, helping to keep the costs of the project down.

Classrooms and Teaching Facilities of the 1929 Building

The refurbishment of several classrooms in the 1929 Building and the college’s lecture room, Room 3 was completed.  As a result of this the classrooms have been renewed, with the installation of multi-media presentation and interactive equipment.  They have also been freshly painted and wired with full internet access, adding a new interactive dimension to classroom teaching.

Renewal of the 1966 Building.

During 2008, the Poetry rooms of the 1966 Building were completely renovated. The flat roof was replaced by a pitch roof, all windows were replaced and rooms were insulated. The old refectory was converted into a new study for Rudiments and Grammar students, with the addition of piano practice rooms.  The building now stands as a fitting resource and wonderful facility for the boys to study and also provides comfortable warmer student accommodation.

The Family Lounge

The new lounge in the reception are of the 1999 Building was completed, to include comfortable seating and refreshment facilities, giving parents a quiet, relaxing place to meet with their sons when they visit Clongowes.