History of Cistercian College

Founded just over one hundred years ago by the Cistercian Monks of Mount St Joseph Abbey, the Cistercian College has since, its inception, been a leading educational establishment in Ireland.

Today it has the unique distinction of being the only college in the world managed by Cistercian monks of the strict observance. One hundred years on it is the involvement and influence of the monks of Mount St Joseph that makes Cistercian College unique.

Cistercian College has always been more than just a school. It is home to those who live and work here, be they students or staff. Set in the eight hundred acre campus of the abbey, it is surrounded by open fields, woodland and forest. Built in the shadow of the monastery, the college is under the direction of the Abbot and community, assisted by the Board of Governors.

The nearby monastic farm is a reminder of the closeness of nature to our lives. Here students from farming backgrounds or who study agricultural science can benefit from this window on the world of nature.

The enduring strength of Cistercian College over the last century has been its staff led by the college President, an experienced and committed staff which strives to serve the individual student always to the best of their ability.

Rather than create an atmosphere in which only the fittest survive, the staff of Cistercian College, following St. Benedict’s advice, has always sought to cultivate an environment in which “the strong have something to strive for while the weak are not discouraged”.

Each student has both a year-master and an academic tutor who, together, monitor his progress in all areas of College life.