11 schools across Ireland
Ireland is entirely English-medium — a major advantage for expat families. Most state schools are free or charge only small voluntary contributions. Gaelscoileanna (Irish-medium schools) are also free and produce fully bilingual graduates. Talk to our advisors for personalised guidance.
Catchment Area Warning: Most non-fee-paying schools in Ireland operate on a 'Catchment Area' basis. You usually must live within a specific distance or have a sibling in the school to secure a spot.
An Irish-medium secondary school for boys in Booterstown, Dublin. All subjects taught through Irish. Free to attend, producing fully bilingual graduates with strong academic results.
The Catch: Academically the best in the state, but the catch is absolute: if your child doesn't speak Irish fluently by age 12, they will likely be rejected. This is not for 'new' expats.
An Irish-medium secondary school for girls in Booterstown, Dublin. All subjects taught through Irish. Free to attend, with consistently strong Leaving Certificate results.
The Catch: Academically the best in the state, but the catch is absolute: if your child doesn't speak Irish fluently by age 12, they will likely be rejected. This is not for 'new' expats.
A co-educational community school in Cashel, Co. Tipperary. Free to attend, offering the full Irish Leaving Certificate programme in the shadow of the famous Rock of Cashel.
The Catch: It is a 'Community' school, meaning it takes everyone. This leads to a great mix, but class sizes can be larger than at the fee-paying schools.
An Irish-medium secondary school in Cork city. All subjects taught through Irish, producing fully bilingual graduates. Free to attend for all residents.
The Catch: This is only for the brave. Every subject is taught in Irish. Unless your child is already fluent or starting very young, this is an impossible mountain to climb.
A Jesuit co-educational comprehensive school in Dooradoyle, Limerick. Free to attend, with a strong academic tradition and commitment to the Jesuit ethos of educating the whole person.
The Catch: Huge demand. Because it's free and academically elite, the waiting list is massive. You generally need to be in the local catchment area to stand a chance.
A Christian Brothers secondary school in Ennis, Co. Clare. Free to attend, with a strong academic and sporting tradition in the heart of County Clare.
The Catch: Consistently high academic results mean it's perpetually oversubscribed. You often need a sibling connection or to live in the parish to get a spot.
A co-educational community college in Arklow, Co. Wicklow. Free to attend, offering the full Irish Leaving Certificate programme in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
The Catch: It's a vocational-heavy stream. Excellent for practical skills, but families looking for a 'high-society' academic bubble will find it too grounded.
A co-educational community college in Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath. Free to attend, offering the full Irish Leaving Certificate programme in a growing commuter-belt town.
The Catch: Growth! The school has had to expand rapidly to keep up with new housing. Expect a bit of a 'construction zone' feel as they add capacity.
A co-educational community college in Tralee, Co. Kerry. Free to attend, offering the full Irish Leaving Certificate programme in the heart of the Kingdom of Kerry.
The Catch: It focuses heavily on 'holistic' and vocational paths. If you want a 100% 'Points-focused' academic pressure cooker, this isn't the one.
A Loreto community school in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. Free to attend, with a strong academic tradition and a warm, supportive community in the north-west of Ireland.
The Catch: Academic standards are very high, but the building is historic and can feel a bit 'cramped' during peak hours.
A co-educational community college in Roscommon town. Free to attend, offering the full Irish Leaving Certificate programme in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
The Catch: It's a smaller school in a rural town. Social life revolves entirely around the local community and GAA.
Not sure which Irish school is right for your family?
Our advisors help families navigate Ireland's school system — from Dublin's international schools to the great Jesuit boarding colleges of the Irish countryside.
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