Historic Limerick boarding school to close

Trustees revealed they have spent years wrestling with uncertainty around its future and is set to close in August 2028

Glenstal Abbey, Limerick.

One of the country's best-known boarding schools, Glenstal Abbey in Limerick, has announced it is to close.

It is winding down operations after trustees revealed they have spent years wrestling with uncertainty around its future, and it is set to close in August 2028.

Parents of students and staff were informed on Friday. The decision is being attributed to a lack of demand for boarding education. Other factors include the high costs of operating a small boarding school. More than 200 students between the ages of 12 and 18 are currently attending the educational facility.

There are around 200 boys currently, with fees just under €15,000 for day pupils, and between €21,500 and €24,000 for boarders.

Past pupils include businessman John Magnier.

Trustees said in a statement that a detailed external assessment of the school confirmed the school will not be sustainable into the future.

“We are particularly saddened that this decision will come as a considerable shock to many families,” the statement read. “We are deeply conscious of the trust these families have placed in Glenstal Abbey School and of the impact that this announcement will have on students, parents, staff, alumni and the wider Glenstal community.” 

They acknowledged the impact this will have on students, staff and their families.

“We are not alone in facing these challenges. Boarding schools across Ireland and elsewhere are experiencing similar pressures. Nevertheless, that knowledge provides little comfort to those who are faced with the loss of a school that has been such a significant part of so many lives. This is a very difficult decision for the Monastic Community and one which we would have preferred never to make, and follows a process of consultation and engagement involving the Monastic Community, the board of management, and the board of governors. 

"The Abbey has provided substantial support to the school over many years because we believe deeply in the school, its students, its staff and its contribution. However, the Abbey must also meet its responsibilities to the monastic community and steward its resources responsibly. We have concluded, with immense regret, that we cannot continue to guarantee the school's longer-term future.” 

Plans are currently being implemented to support staff as well as students and their families.

“Our immediate focus is on supporting students, maintaining stability and ensuring that the remainder of the academic year continues as positively as possible. We are deeply saddened by this unavoidable decision to close a school where we met such wonderful people and where we witnessed the work of continually dedicated staff, parents and students. We value the relationship we have with students and parents here at Glenstal. Our monastic life and work continues here, and we hope that, after this difficult passage of transition, the connection will remain, as it has indeed with so many former students and their families over the years.” 

Preparations for state exams will continue at the school for students from second year upwards.

“All students will continue their education at Glenstal Abbey School as normal throughout the current academic year, ending in June 2027. Our intention is to maintain the quality of educational, boarding, pastoral and extracurricular provision throughout this period. For the academic year 2027/2028, our intention is to allow our current second- and fifth-year students to complete their Junior and Senior Cycle of education.”