"A School and A Way of Life" is the school motto and is enforced by the large amount of extra curricular activities.

With ample facilities provided on the school's 70-acre site, its proximity to the River Liffey and access to other venues, The King's Hospital caters particularly well for such popular sports as: Rugby, Hockey, Athletics, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Cricket, Rowing, Canoeing, Basketball, Badminton and Equestrian sports.

The array of recreational activities at the school is both diverse and vast, with clubs or societies covering such areas as: Agriculture, Carpentry, Chess, Computers, Electronics, Business Enterprise, History, Photography, Pottery, Environment, First Aid and Scripture Union.

A particular feature of the school curriculum is the promotion of cultural activities among the pupils, encompassing such areas as: Choirs, Debating, Drama, Musical Production, Speech and Drama, Orchestra, Arts and Craft and Theatre and Concert Trips.

The school building itself is set on a 70-acre site along the banks of the River Liffey in a suburban setting close to Dublin city.