The foundation stone was laid in 1901. Clontarf Aboriginal College is the current name of a former orphanage for boys operated by the Christian Brothers. Opening in 1901, the facility has been used for a number of purposes since, most notably as an orphanage but also as a convent and as a day and boarding school.
Notable for the quadrangular layout, the picturesque profiles
generated by the tower structures and the contemporary construction techniques.
The Romanesque Chapel,
completed in 1941, was well designed and reflects the building methods employed on Clontarf during the
boys’ apprenticeship program.
Clontarf has historical and rarity value as an intact and attractive collection of buildings representing a range
of architectural styles. It is as a fine and rare example of an early and long running institution for the care
and education of underprivileged boys.