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 — browse every option for your family.
Browse by school type
Catholic, Church of Ireland, Gaelscoileanna, IB and free community schools
Browse by City
Each city guide includes school types, fee ranges, neighbourhood breakdowns and insider enrollment tips.
Dublin
Ireland's capital and most school-dense city — Jesuit colleges, Church of Ireland schools, IB World Schools and free community colleges all within reach.
Cork
Ireland's second city with a strong university town feel. A mix of free community schools, Catholic colleges and a small international school sector.
Galway
The cultural capital of the west — a vibrant university city with strong Gaelscoileanna, community schools and a growing expat community.
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 — Clongowes Wood, Gonzaga, Belvedere — 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 — 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 — especially younger children — and the bilingual advantage lasts a lifetime.
How to Educate Your Child for Free in Ireland
2026 GuideIrish language exemption, school type guide, uniform costs, CAO points explained, Leaving Cert vs IB — the complete free guide for expat families.
Free resources
We share free guides on school systems, family-friendly areas, children's activities, and everyday life after the move to Ireland.
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Connect with other families, ask practical questions, and get support from parents going through a similar move to Ireland.
Learn more & joinWhether you want to do everything yourself with our resources, or you'd like more hands-on support with schools, relocation, and settling in — ExpatSchoolFinder is here to help make your move to Ireland simpler.
Ireland's finest
boarding schools
Ireland has a remarkable tradition of boarding education — 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 — including James Joyce, who immortalised it in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. Full boarding for boys aged 12–18. Fees: €8,500–€22,000/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 12–18.
Alexandra College
A leading independent girls' school in Milltown, Dublin. Offers the IB Diploma and Irish Leaving Certificate with boarding available. Ages 4–18.
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 12–18.
More notable boarding schools
View all 18 →Featured 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 — 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. Secondary schools set their own admissions policies — oversubscribed schools may use catchment areas, feeder primary schools or other criteria, so always check each school's admissions policy directly.
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 — 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 — making it the easiest European school system for expat families to integrate into.
- Free for all residents — most secondary schools charge only small voluntary contributions
- Teaching in English (and Irish as a compulsory subject)
- Leads to the Irish Leaving Certificate — recognised by universities worldwide
- Secondary schools set their own admissions policies — oversubscribed schools may use catchment areas, feeder schools or other criteria
- 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 — from free state schools to elite boarding. We'll map the right options for your child's age and your timeline.
Ireland School Holidays 2026/2027
Key dates for the academic year — plan your family calendar around the school term
Public & Bank Holidays 2026/2027
— schools closed, plan family timeDates are set by the Department of Education and may vary slightly for some schools. Post-primary schools may finish slightly earlier or later. Independent and international schools set their own calendars — always check directly with your school.
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.
Free guide — or go deeper with the Intelligence Pack
Start with our free country guide, or get the full Intelligence Pack with school databases, letter templates, and direct admin contacts.
🇮🇪 Ireland Free School Guide
Our free country guide covers the school system overview, key school types, and how to get started. A great first step for families beginning their research.
- School system overview
- Key school types explained
- How to get started
- Free resources & links
🇮🇪 Ireland Intelligence Pack
The complete insider guide — school databases, direct admin contacts, proven letter templates, and step-by-step strategies. Everything you need to navigate the Ireland school system without the 40-hour research phase.
- School system overview & key deadlines
- Direct admin contact list
- Letter templates (proven & translated)
- School database with catchment data
- Late-arrival strategy guide
- 14-day money-back guarantee
Our advisors offer personalised school reports, guided applications, and full concierge service — from £49 to £500.
All prices are per family, not per child. Compare all services →
Join the Ireland Expat Families WhatsApp Group
Connect with other expat families navigating schools in Ireland — share tips, ask questions, get advice from parents who've been through it.
Not sure where to start?
Our school advisors help families navigate Ireland's school system — from Dublin's international schools to the great Jesuit boarding colleges of the Irish countryside.
Talk to a School Advisor →Ireland — Complete Guide
Everything you need to find the right school in Ireland
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