22 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.
A Jesuit secondary school for boys in the heart of Dublin city, founded in 1832. One of Ireland's most prestigious Catholic schools with a strong academic tradition and notable alumni.
A Holy Ghost Fathers school in Blackrock, Co. Dublin. One of Ireland's most prestigious Catholic schools with a strong rugby tradition and notable alumni including many Irish presidents.
The Catch: Academics are top-tier, but the social scene is dominated by sports. If your son doesn't like rugby, he might struggle to find his 'tribe'.
A Jesuit day school for boys in Ranelagh, Dublin. Known for academic excellence, strong debating tradition and a commitment to the Jesuit ethos of educating the whole person.
A Loreto secondary school for girls in Dalkey, Co. Dublin. Consistently one of Ireland's top-performing schools in the Leaving Certificate with a strong academic and sporting tradition.
A Sacred Heart school for girls in Mount Merrion, Dublin. One of Ireland's leading girls' schools with outstanding academic results and a strong tradition of sport and the arts.
An independent Catholic school for boys in Ballsbridge, Dublin. Offers primary and secondary education through to the Irish Leaving Certificate in a small, nurturing environment.
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.
The Catch: Full-boarding only. It's a 24/7 brotherhood. It's about building 'networks' as much as it is about the Leaving Cert.
A Dominican boarding and day school in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. One of Leinster's leading Catholic schools with a strong academic and sporting tradition.
A De La Salle boarding and day school in New Ross, Co. Wexford. One of the south-east's leading Catholic schools with a strong academic and sporting tradition.
A Cistercian boarding school for boys in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary. Set in a beautiful monastic estate, offering a traditional Catholic education with strong academic and sporting results.
One of Cork's most prestigious secondary schools, founded in 1887. A CBS school with a strong academic tradition, outstanding rugby programme and a long list of distinguished alumni.
The Catch: Boys only. It is traditional and high-pressure. If your son isn't into competitive sports or top-tier academics, he might find the culture overwhelming.
A leading Catholic secondary school for boys in Cork city. Known for academic excellence, strong GAA tradition and a commitment to the Presentation ethos.
The Catch: Very similar to CBC—if you don't 'play ball' (literally), the social life can feel narrow. It's an old-school Cork institution.
A leading Catholic girls' secondary school in Blackrock, Cork. Consistently strong Leaving Certificate results with a warm, supportive community ethos.
The Catch: Traditional Catholic ethos. While welcoming, it is formal. Excellent for discipline and results, but less 'progressive' than international schools.
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 leading Catholic girls' secondary school in Limerick city, founded in 1845. Consistently strong Leaving Certificate results with a warm, supportive community.
The Catch: It's an all-girls, Irish-medium (Gaelcholáiste) school. Academic standards are sky-high, but the language barrier is real for expats.
A Jesuit secondary school in Galway city, founded in 1862. Known locally as "The Jes", it offers a strong academic programme with a commitment to the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person.
The Catch: Bilingual (Irish/English) streams exist. It is heavily oversubscribed, and getting a spot mid-term is nearly impossible without local connections.
Known as "The Bish", one of Galway's oldest and most respected secondary schools. A Catholic school for boys with a strong academic and sporting tradition in the heart of Galway city.
The Catch: Very urban campus with limited space. Known for rowing and science, but the facilities feel 'historic' (old) compared to new suburban builds.
A leading Catholic secondary school for boys in Sligo town, founded in 1880. Strong academic and GAA tradition in the heart of the west of Ireland.
The Catch: Boys only. It's a very traditional 'Diocesan' school. While academic standards are high, it can feel like a very large, busy environment.
A CBS secondary school for boys in Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Strong academic and GAA tradition in the heart of the west of Ireland.
The Catch: A traditional De La Salle school. Very community-focused, which is great for integration, but might feel 'very Irish' for international expats.
One of Ireland's oldest Catholic schools, founded in 1782. A boarding and day school for boys in Kilkenny city with a strong hurling tradition and excellent academic results.
The Catch: Boys only. If your son isn't into sports, he might feel slightly sidelined by the massive focus on GAA achievements.
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 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.
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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