Cistercian College
Tipperary
Key facts
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 255 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 65410K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Cistercian College is an independent boys’ secondary school offering day‑ and boarding education for pupils from first to sixth year. Set on a 30‑acre rural campus within the grounds of Mount St Joseph Abbey, the college is surrounded by open fields, native woodland and meticulously maintained grounds, providing a tranquil environment that supports both academic study and personal development. The school’s educational philosophy is rooted in the Cistercian monastic tradition of prayer, study, work and recreation, delivering a holistic programme that balances rigorous classroom learning with a broad range of extracurricular activities, including sport, the arts, leadership development and a vibrant boarding life. The college places a strong emphasis on core values such as respect, community, character and international mindedness. These principles are woven into daily routines through structured academic timetables, pastoral care teams, mentorship schemes and opportunities for community service. State‑of‑the‑art facilities support a well‑rounded experience, from modern classrooms and science labs to extensive sports fields and dedicated boarding residences, ensuring each boy can pursue his individual passions while developing resilience, confidence and a sense of responsibility.
History
Cistercian College’s history is closely linked to its monastic roots and the ethos of Mount St Joseph Abbey. The college was founded to embody the Cistercian values of reflection, academic endeavour, work and recreation, aiming to develop students spiritually, morally and personally within a progressive boarding environment. Over the years the school has continually invested in teaching resources, technology and extensive facilities to deliver an exceptional, inclusive education on its unique rural campus. The college’s motto, *Insideat coelis animo sed corpore terris* – “Let the mind be in heaven while the body dwells upon the earth” – reflects its enduring commitment to nurturing well‑rounded young men.
Applying to Cistercian College
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Cistercian College. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Cistercian College
How many pupils attend Cistercian College?
Cistercian College has 255 pupils enrolled. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Cistercian College a DEIS school?
No. Cistercian College is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of Cistercian College?
Cistercian College has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' post-primary school.