Clongowes Wood College is located in Kildare, just 40 minutes from Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre. It is one of Ireland's most famous residential boarding schools, set on a stunning 550-acre estate. The medieval castle at the heart of the campus dates back to the 13th century. Today, the school combines its rich heritage with modern, state-of-the-art facilities, making it the perfect environment for international summer students.
The programme is designed for students aged 11 to 17 years. Under certain circumstances, if a child turns 18 and is still in high school up until the summer of the camp, they may be accepted on the programme.
The programme is all-inclusive with no extra charges for assessment, registration, or administration. Fees include 15 hours of tuition per week, use of a textbook, residential accommodation in the college, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening snack), a full programme of activities and excursions, all transport by private coach, entrance fees to attractions, a welcome pack including a refillable water bottle, laundry service once per week, one special dinner at a Dublin city restaurant, and a Certificate of Attendance and Attainment with an individual teacher's report.
Students stay in residential accommodation within the historic college building. Rooms are a mix of single and twin rooms (with twin beds or bunk beds), with some rooms stand-alone and others in a cubicle format opening onto a larger recreational area. Shared toilets and showers are located on the floors. Female and male students are in separate areas of the residence.
House masters sleep in rooms next to each student area and are on call. In addition, a night supervisor is always awake throughout the night to ensure student safety and wellbeing.
Full board is provided with hot meal options available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus an evening snack. The food is one of the highlights of students' stays, with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and a great variety on offer. Students receive a refillable eco water bottle on arrival. Students also enjoy one special dinner at a Dublin city restaurant during their stay. The catering staff can cater for special dietary requirements on request, with prior notification.
Students have a full schedule of activities and tours, with off-campus trips 2-3 afternoons per week including 2 tours to Dublin City Centre per week and one dinner in Dublin during their stay. On campus, students use the amazing sporting facilities and participate in an evening skills programme. Each Saturday, students have a full-day trip to see the best of Ireland, with examples including Glendalough, Kilkenny, the UNESCO Cliffs of Moher, Galway, and Dublin City. Sundays offer students the opportunity to relax and do fun activities on campus followed by an evening barbeque.
Students are tested before arrival and on their first day. Their teacher will assess if they are in the correct level. The school monitors student progress through weekly tests, and students are able to move levels if they are not in the correct level. Programmes offer levels from A2 to C1 on the CEFR scale, catering from pre-intermediate to advanced learners.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available at the school. Mobile phones are allowed, but during classes, activities and after lights-out, mobile phones must be turned off. The camp is about communication and building fluency.
ICE offers an airport transfer meet and greet service on Sundays between 8 am and 8 pm. A member of staff waits for the student at the airport with a sign. If requested, staff will help with check-in at departure and bring the student as far as security at no extra charge. Transfers outside these times may be available on request.
