Private School for Boys: Full, 5-Day and Day Boarding at Glenstal Abbey

At Glenstal Abbey School, boys learn, grow and thrive, benefiting from the individual care and attention that is only possible in a small private school. Whether attending as full boarder, 5-day boarder or day boarder, every day is full and purposeful. Choosing the right school is a significant decision. Our flexible schooling options offer provisions to suit each family’s preferences and lifestyle.

The Glenstal Difference

Our full boarders, 5-day boarders and day boarders all benefit from the unique structure and community of boarding. Morning classes are followed by a hearty three-course lunch, then afternoon lessons lead into an active schedule of sport, first study, supper, and second study — often with time for music tuition in between. Weekends blend supplementary academic programmes with fun activities, time with friends and the steady rhythm of evening study.

Glenstal provides an environment where the teaching, boarding, chaplaincy, guidance counselling and nursing teams work together to guide each boy through his academic, social and personal development.

A leading school in Ireland, Glenstal consistently achieves excellent Leaving Certificate results, with graduates progressing to top universities at home and abroad.

0 %

AChieve 500+ points

at Leaving Certificate

0 %

Progression to 3RD Level

Irish and International University Destinations

Day Boarding

Day boarders attend from morning until evening, taking part in after-school sport, music, clubs and supervised study before going home.

  • All meals included
  • Structured after-school programme
  • Supervised study supports academic progress

5-Day Boarding

5-day boarding offers the full structured experience during the week.
  • Arrive Sunday evening or Monday morning, depart Friday evening
  • Full access to sports, music and extended supervised study
  • Flexibility to go home overnight midweek as preferred

Full Boarding

Full boarders enjoy the same amenities as our 5-day boarders, with flexibility to stay at school on weekends.
  • Stay on weekends, fully flexible
  • Enjoy academic enrichment and recreational activities
  • Take part in cultural, sporting and social excursions
  • Includes weekend supervised study
Students live together in one of three Houses (Junior, Inter, Senior) under the age-appropriate care of our Houseparents. Each House has shared bedroom dormitories, bathroom with shower cubicles, a common room social space and a kitchen pantry. This shared living environment develops independence, tolerance, cooperation and compromise.

For Families Considering Boarding Schools Outside of Dublin

Glenstal is approximately two hours from Dublin via the M7 and with excellent public transport connections, making it a practical option for families seeking:
  • A smaller, calmer school environment
  • Strong weekday structure and supervision
  • Flexibility to return home at weekends
  • A community that supports boys both academically and personally
Many families choose Glenstal because it offers an alternative to larger, city schools — prioritising balance, focus and structure

Upcoming Admissions Events 

Get to Know Glenstal

Join us for the day to try out classes, have lunch in the refectory, tour the dorms and play some music and sports. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Taster Overnight Stay

Join us for a taster stay in Junior House – experience class, after school and evening activities and an overnight stay in our dorms.

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Glenstal Abbey provides external links as a convenience to our users. The appearance of external links does not constitute an endorsement by Glenstal Abbey of the views, activity or content contained therein.