One of the oldest boarding schools in Ireland, The King's Hospital was founded in 1669 as The Hospital and Free School of King Charles II and was based in Dublin's Queen Street for its first century before moving in 1783 to the noted Georgian building in Blackhall Place which now houses the Incorporated Law Society.
The take-over of Morgan's School (1957) and Mercer's School (1966) contributed to steadily increasing numbers and by 1970, a need for extra space and facilities led to the move from the city centre to a modern purpose built school set in its own spacious and scenic grounds on the banks of the River Liffey at Palmerstown, Co. Dublin.

Since its opening in 1971, the school has constantly expanded its facilities and the Board of Governors, whose members give their time voluntarily, oversees a development programme aimed at maintaining the highest standards.