Find schools
in Ireland
Ireland is English-speaking, making it a natural first choice for many expat families. From prestigious Jesuit boarding schools to free community colleges and Irish-medium Gaelscoileanna โ browse every option for your family.
Browse by school type
Catholic, Church of Ireland, Gaelscoileanna, IB and free community schools
Browse by city
Find schools near where you're planning to live
Ireland's capital and most school-dense city โ with Jesuit colleges, Church of Ireland schools, IB World Schools and free community colleges. The top destination for expat families relocating to Ireland.
Schools in Ireland for Expat Families
If you are moving to Ireland with children, it helps to understand the main school options available before you apply. The most common choices are state-funded schools, private schools, and a smaller number of international schools. Each type works differently, so families should think about their child's needs, budget, language, and how long they plan to stay.
State-funded schools
Most children in Ireland attend state-funded schools. These schools usually do not charge tuition fees, although families may still need to pay for uniforms, books, transport, trips, and activities.
At primary level, schools have a patron, which helps shape the school's ethos. Many Irish schools have a religious ethos, but there are also multi-denominational and Irish-medium schools. School admissions are regulated, and schools must publish their admissions notices and policies.
Private schools
Private schools in Ireland are independently run and usually charge fees. Some families choose them for smaller class sizes, extra facilities, or a different learning environment.
Entry requirements vary by school and may include an assessment, interview, or additional admissions steps. Ireland has a strong tradition of prestigious Jesuit colleges โ Clongowes Wood, Gonzaga, Belvedere โ and Church of Ireland schools such as Alexandra College and St Andrew's.
International schools
Ireland has a smaller number of international schools, which can be a good fit for families moving from abroad. Some offer internationally recognised programmes such as the International Baccalaureate (IB).
These schools may suit families who expect to move again or who want a curriculum that is easier to transfer between countries. Nord Anglia International School Dublin and St Andrew's College are the top choices for expat families.
Faith schools & special education
Because school ethos plays an important role in Ireland, families should always check whether a school is denominational, multi-denominational, or Irish-medium before applying.
For children with additional needs, Ireland has special schools and special classes in mainstream schools, alongside supports in ordinary classes. EAL (English as an Additional Language) support is also available for children new to English.
Support for children learning English
If your child is learning English, Irish schools can offer support through English as an Additional Language (EAL) guidance and resources. There are official EAL materials for both primary and post-primary schools to help teachers support students who are new to English. Ireland's English-speaking environment also means children typically integrate faster than in other European countries.
Help choosing a school in Ireland
Every school is different, so it is important to check the school's ethos, admissions policy, deadlines, and the support it offers before applying. For families moving from abroad, this can feel overwhelming โ especially when school decisions are happening at the same time as housing, paperwork, and relocation planning.
That is where ExpatSchoolFinder can help. We help families explore state-funded schools, private schools, and international schools in Ireland, so you can better understand what may suit your child and your plans.
What about Gaelscoileanna?
Gaelscoileanna are Irish-medium schools where all subjects are taught through the Irish language. They are completely free for all residents and produce fully bilingual graduates. For expat families willing to embrace the language, they offer a unique and enriching educational experience.
There are 3 Gaelscoileanna listed in our directory. Children typically pick up Irish quickly โ especially younger children โ and the bilingual advantage lasts a lifetime.
Free resources
We share free guides on school systems, family-friendly areas, children's activities, and everyday life after the move to Ireland.
Join our WhatsApp group
Connect with other families, ask practical questions, and get support from parents going through a similar move to Ireland.
Whether you want to do everything yourself with our resources, or you'd like more hands-on support with schools, relocation, and settling in โ ExpatSchoolFinder is here to help make your move to Ireland simpler.
Ireland's finest
boarding schools
Ireland has a remarkable tradition of boarding education โ from the great Jesuit colleges of Leinster to the Benedictine abbey schools of Munster. These institutions have shaped Irish life for over two centuries.
Clongowes Wood College
Ireland's most prestigious Jesuit boarding school, founded in 1814. Set in a 500-acre estate in Co. Kildare, it has educated generations of Ireland's leaders โ including James Joyce, who immortalised it in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. Full boarding for boys aged 12โ18. Fees: โฌ8,500โโฌ22,000/yr.
Glenstal Abbey School
A Benedictine boarding school for boys in a stunning 500-acre estate in Co. Limerick. Exceptional music programme and holistic education. Ages 12โ18.
Alexandra College
A leading independent girls' school in Milltown, Dublin. Offers the IB Diploma and Irish Leaving Certificate with boarding available. Ages 4โ18.
The King's Hospital
A Church of Ireland boarding and day school in Palmerstown, Dublin, founded in 1669. One of Ireland's oldest schools with a strong academic tradition. Ages 12โ18.
More notable boarding schools
View all 11 โFeatured Irish schools
Some of the most notable schools across Ireland
St Columba's College
Belvedere College SJ
Alexandra College
Blackrock College
Gonzaga College SJ
Loreto Abbey Dalkey
Free schools in Ireland โ what expat families need to know
Ireland's state school system is free for all residents, including expat families. This includes community colleges, vocational schools and most Catholic secondary schools. There are no catchment area restrictions for secondary schools โ families can apply to any school in the country.
11 free schools are listed in our directory. For personalised advice on school selection and the Irish admissions process, contact our school advisors.
Ireland's school system explained
Every school type, what it costs, who it's for โ and how to get in. Pick a category to explore.
Irish State Schools (Free for All Residents)
Ireland's state school system is free for all residents and English-speaking โ making it the easiest European school system for expat families to integrate into.
- Free for all residents โ most secondary schools charge only small voluntary contributions
- Teaching in English (and Irish as a compulsory subject)
- Leads to the Irish Leaving Certificate โ recognised by universities worldwide
- No catchment restrictions for secondary schools โ apply to any school
- Community colleges, vocational schools and most Catholic secondaries are free
- Primary schools: enrol directly with the school principal
Our advisors know every school type in Ireland โ from free state schools to elite boarding. We'll map the right options for your child's age and your timeline.
Holiday camps in Ireland
Summer camps, sports camps, language camps and multi-activity programmes for expat kids during school holidays.
Dublin Multi-Activity Summer Camp
Multi-activityThe most popular summer camp for expat families in Dublin. Sports, arts, swimming and outdoor activities in a safe, English-speaking environment.
Gaeltacht Irish Language Camp
Language ImmersionResidential Irish language immersion camps in the Gaeltacht. Traditional music, sport, drama and Irish language classes in a stunning west of Ireland setting.
Kerry Surf & Outdoor Adventure Camp
Surf & AdventureSurfing, kayaking, coasteering and hiking on the stunning Kerry coast. Qualified instructors, English-speaking, popular with expat families from Dublin and Cork.
Cork Sports Academy Camp
SportsGAA, football, swimming and athletics camps in Cork. A great way for expat kids to experience Irish sports culture and make local friends.
Choose the level of support you need
From a ยฃ29.99 DIY download pack to full concierge service โ we have an option for every family and every budget.
Country Download Pack
A step-by-step downloadable guide to the school system in this country. Everything you need to understand your options, know the deadlines, and start your application โ at your own pace.
- Full school system overview (state, bilingual, private, international)
- Application timeline & key deadlines
- Document checklist for your situation
- Catchment area explainer
- School type comparison table
- Top questions to ask schools
- Personalised advice
- Direct support
- Portal guidance
Starter Pack
A personalised written report delivered within 48 hours. Based on your destination country and your child's age, we map out every school option โ state, bilingual, private, and international โ with catchment areas, application deadlines, and the documents you'll need.
- Personalised school options report
- State & bilingual schools mapped to your area
- Private & international school shortlist
- Catchment area overview
- Application deadline calendar
- Document checklist for your situation
- Active application support
- Portal guidance
- Direct school contact
Guided Application
We actively guide you through the entire application process. From checking your catchment area before you sign your rental contract, to walking you through the local school portal step by step, to confirming everything is submitted correctly.
- Everything in Starter Pack
- Catchment area check before you sign your lease
- Personalised document checklist
- Step-by-step school portal guidance
- Equivalency process support
- Follow-up call to confirm submission
- Email support throughout
- Direct school contact on your behalf
- Application status tracking
Full Concierge
We handle everything. You focus on your move. We contact schools directly on your behalf, track your application status, advise on backup options if your first choice is full, and stay on call until your child has a confirmed place.
- Everything in Guided Application
- We contact schools directly on your behalf
- Application status tracking
- Backup school strategy if first choice is full
- Priority email & WhatsApp support
- On-call through the full process
- Confirmed place โ we don't stop until it's done
All prices are per family, not per child. Compare all services โ
Not sure where to start?
Our school advisors help families navigate Ireland's school system โ from Dublin's international schools to the great Jesuit boarding colleges of the Irish countryside.
Talk to a School Advisor โ