St Dominics College
School Details
Location
About
St Dominic’s College, Cabra, is an all‑girls voluntary secondary school founded in 1835 by the Dominican Sisters. It operates under the patronage of the Le Chéile Trust and is governed by a Board of Management. The college embraces a Catholic, Dominican ethos centred on the motto *Veritas* – the pursuit of truth – while welcoming pupils of all religious traditions. Its educational philosophy seeks to develop the whole person, fostering intellectual, physical, moral, social and spiritual growth through a balanced curriculum and a supportive community. The school is set in extensive, mature grounds off the Navan Road, Dublin 7, and has recently undergone major refurbishment that blends heritage buildings with state‑of‑the‑art facilities. These modern learning environments support curriculum innovation and a commitment to educational excellence. In addition to academic provision, St Dominic’s offers a range of extracurricular activities, virtual tours, and a school‑device programme, all aimed at preparing students for further education and active participation in contemporary society.
History
The Dominican Sisters first arrived in Cabra on 12 December 1819, commemorating that date each year. Their presence in Ireland dates back to a 1644 reference in Galway, with earlier Dublin foundations at Channel Row (1717) and later Clontarf (1808). Upon arrival, the sisters opened a school for the poor, followed by a boarding school in 1835, a Deaf school in 1846, and junior schools for both boys and girls. They later entered the free second‑level system, phasing out the boarding and junior schools. Today, St Dominic’s College occupies a large campus in Cabra, serving as the anchor for several neighbouring schools, and continues the Dominican tradition into its next two centuries.