For over 100 years boarding has been an integral part of Blackrock. It has ensured that the College is a vital living breathing organism for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Situated in the historic Castle building, the boarding school will offer your son a warm, personalised experience in a vibrant, thriving community. While the majority of our boys are Irish, we are enriched by the presence of boys from all over the world.
Boarders, including the first Irish President, Éamon de Valera, are and always have been unique members of the Blackrock Community. Their experience of the College is by its very nature a very comprehensive one, and therefore traditionally the bond between the boarders and Blackrock has been particularly strong. The Hall of Residence (known as “The Castle”) provides a safe environment where boys aged 12-19 will have a caring, fulfilling experience which helps them to mature to their full potential.
The College’s multi-disciplinary curricular programme will engage and enthuse him and add colour to his daily routine. The Chapter system reinforces bonds between boys of different ages. Opportunities abound to be involved in sport, music, theatre, public speaking and social outreach.
The Castle seeks to support each boy to fulfil his dreams. Your son’s individual talents and interests will be fostered with many links to the surrounding community. As a boarding school in a city suburb, there are lots of options for recreational activities. However, the daily structured routine provides the foundation on which boys thrive and can reach for excellence.
In the Castle we cherish the concept of community. Your son will be one of some 90 boys. It is vital that he feels cherished, protected and important. The College’s slogan “Be Caring, Be There, Be Truthful, Be Grateful” is particularly relevant. A happy boarding facility depends on all members acting in the best interests of each other. Faith formation is the bedrock of all College activities and your son will be challenged to commit to Christian ideals. He will experience a faith programme organised by the Chaplain and built on the liturgical calendar. The boys learn to exercise good judgement and are prepared for a life of faith and commitment.
We include parents as a central hub of our community with weekly reporting and engagement in your son’s life. We become part of your extended family. Social events help parents to get to know each other and visits are always welcome. Excellent road, rail and bus links facilitate transport for parents and boys. A direct bus service to the airport is an advantage for international students.
The Castle is busy, vibrant and inclusive. Your son will flourish here; he will be happy, focused and committed, generous in spirit, giving of himself, conscious of the common good and the importance of community. He will develop bonds which will support him throughout his life.
Together we will watch over him growing up, experiencing a full, interesting and richly varied life, guiding him always to being the best he can be, providing him with the knowledge and strength of character to participate fully in modern society.