As parents of two children, a boy and girl, attending St Nicholas school, we cannot speak highly enough of the school. This school is a real community, it has a lively family feeling, with staff who are 100% committed and wonderful teachers as well. Our children love going to school, and both are flourishing educationally and socially. We are delighted by the school's diversity, celebrated at their international days, and we believe this multiculturalism enriches our children's experience and prepares them well for the future. This Church of Ireland school instils a strong caring ethic, yet shares this without dogma, and is open and welcoming to those of all faiths and none. This school is a wonderful and hidden gem in Galway. Agata
February 6, 2024
St. Nicholas’ is a very special school because it is petit in size but huge in ideas. The children are spoiled with different afterschool activities like Chinese, Brownies, hockey, and the most loved by my daughter...swimming! The teachers are dedicated and caring. I recommend this school to all of my friends.
October 5, 2015
As my daughter approaches the end of her primary school years in 5th class, I feel truly inspired to express our deep gratitude for the exceptional experience she has enjoyed at Primary School, St. Nicholas. Throughout the years, every teacher my daughter has encountered has contributed their own unique qualities, resulting in a rich and nurturing learning environment. It is evident that all staff members are invested not only in the academic progress of their pupils, but also in their overall wellbeing and personal development. One of the most remarkable aspects of the school is its strong sense of community. The teachers’ genuine care reaches beyond the classroom, encouraging participation in local events and helping the children to build meaningful connections with the wider community. There are so many wonderful experiences that stand out, including visits to the university, enjoying the ice cream truck in the summer, and participating in swimming lessons. These moments, among many others, have all contributed to a vibrant and memorable school experience. Words can hardly do justice — the school’s atmosphere truly has to be experienced to be fully appreciated. Thanks to this supportive, inclusive, and creative environment, my daughter has flourished academically and personally. We look back with immense appreciation for the dedication, enthusiasm, and warmth shown by every teacher and member of staff. We wholeheartedly recommend Alexandra’s Primary School St. Nicholas to any family seeking a place where their child will be seen, supported, and celebrated. Emma Mooney-Wiegersma, Sean Coffey
October 8, 2025
We had made the decision to move our son from his previous school to St. Nicholas’ as it came highly recommended from my cousin who has children in the school. Naturally we were a bit apprehensive about moving him. The thought of starting anew and making friends, but he came home after the first day and hasn't stopped smiling or talking about all his friends and teachers and of course principal Wendy, he has loved it ... such a great school in everything they do and get involved with, both during school and after. It was the best decision we ever made. The school goes over and beyond for both the pupils & their families also. (Jackie & Joe)
February 9, 2024
Our daughter is currently coming to the end of her time in St Nicholas' and we can think of no better place for her to have spent such formative years. The school is like an extended family for the students and the friendships that are established between students from differing year groups is such a special and unique experience. We will leave St Nicholas' with a heavy heart but eternally grateful for the time that our daughter has spent here. Phil Clapperton
October 8, 2025
We really appreciate all the hard work and dedication everyone at St. Nicholas’ puts into making sure our children have such a positive and nurturing start to their learning journey. We are so pleased with how well our daughter has settled and the progress she has already made. Our younger son is starting school this coming September and we are thrilled that he was accepted to St. Nicholas’ where friends are made and teachers become your family. (Magda and Kenny)
February 8, 2024
My daughter recently transferred to St Nicholas. The Principal, teachers and staff are kind and caring. There are lots of afterschool activities like French, sewing swimming and hockey. The school opens at 8.30 so it is possible to make it on time to secondary school with my older children. It has all the advantages of a small school and I am so glad I sent my daughter there and grateful to Wendy the Principal who made sure she settled in a warm and fun environment. Gillian
October 15, 2025
St Nicholas Parochial School is a gem. It's a happy, friendly, and beautiful school with small classes and great teachers. Having been part of the school community for several years, I am very happy to recommend it to any parent and especially those with children about to start Junior Infants and hoping to find a warm and nurturing environment for their little ones.
February 8, 2024
St. Nicholas' Parochial School is an incredibly special place. Thankfully we discovered it in 2022 and our son entered in fourth class. He spent three wonderful years in a safe, nurturing school where he was seen, heard and looked after in an exceptional way. The Principal Wendy Lynch and her staff work together with the parents in a very special way to give the students a well-rounded academic, cultural and fun education that prepares them for life. They ensured that our son was prepared for secondary school and have set him up for the rest of his life. We are eternally grateful for that. Our daughter is now in 2nd class and could not be happier. She tells me regularly that her teacher Ms. McLoughlin is like her second Mom and that she is 'an angel sent down from heaven'! What more could a parent ask for! Thank you St. Nicholas' Parochial School for being such a genuinely amazing positive part of our lives. Eimear Butler and John Royliston
October 15, 2025
We moved to Galway last summer, and we enrolled our youngest 2 children into St Nicholas Parochial School. From the minute we first contacted the school, our family was met with kindness, inclusion and support. Our children run into school everyday, excited about the day ahead. The small class sizes and the incredible teachers make for such a nurturing learning experience for our children. I’ve never before encountered such a diverse, inclusive, fun, loving and caring environment for children. We feel honoured to be part of the St Nicholas’s community and grateful everyday that our children get to experience the wonder that is the small school with the big heart. (Parent)
February 9, 2024
I can’t tell you the happiness that this school gives to kids. Am the lucky parent to have kids grow up there. St. Nicholas’ Parochial School, Waterside, Galway City is a hidden gem in the city centre. As a connoisseur of schools with 4 kids and 3 international moves, I can honestly say never saw the match. If you want your kids to get the best of teaching in a happy, creative, kind environment (with amazing afterschool) … then show up to the open day. #schooldays #schoolchoice #galwaycity (Maébh)
February 1, 2024
St. Nicholas’ is a wonderful school because it is more than a school, it is a community. it is not only a place that encourages parental involvement but also equips parents to participate in their child’s educational experience. My child is more than a number but rather a valued member of St. Nicholas’ Parochial community.
October 5, 2015
Our children have thrived at St Nicholas's. The small school size means the school is like a family. Teachers really know all the children, and the classes mix and take care of each other. It's a very secure environment which gives them great confidence as they grow and learn, and also for when they head on to secondary school and beyond.
February 7, 2024
Choosing Saint Nicholas’s Parochial School was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. From the very beginning, it was clear that this is not just a school – it’s a true community, filled with warmth, care, and genuine love for every child.
The children are a wonderful reflection of the school’s values – kind, confident, and full of joy. The teachers are simply magic, their dedication and creativity shine through in everything they do. Our son is so happy there, he is absolutely thriving.
We feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a special place, and without a shadow of a doubt, our second child will be joining Saint Nicholas’s too. It’s a school filled with heart, excellence, and joy. Dani
October 8, 2025
Both our daughters have their primary education at St Nicholas' Parochial School, and it's hard to imagine anywhere better. The children are nurtured and guided by a small but stellar staff of consummate professionals, whose dedication to the well-being and advancement of the children in their care is immediately evident. The children learn in a rich environment. There is a warmth and radiance in the school's atmosphere, complemented by the closeness conferred by the school's small size. The children all know each other, from junior infants right up to sixth class; it generates the feeling more of a family than of an institution. The juniors are all allocated a buddy from the senior classes, guaranteeing an experience of safety and solidarity throughout the age ranges. A unique gem of a school, in the heart of Galway City. We're very fortunate to have it.
February 7, 2024
St Nicholas’ Parochial School is the little school with a big heart. Such an amazing place for any child to go to school. Individual attention, a wonderful holistic approach and a warm community feel. My little person skips into school every morning! (Ciara)
October 7, 2021
We have two boys in the school, one in first class and one in third class and they both absolutely love it. From day one, they’ve been made to feel so welcome and supported. The teachers are fantastic – they really get to know each child and bring out the best in them. There is such a lovely atmosphere in the school, and it’s clear that the staff genuinely care about the children.
What we love the most is how much the boys get to do – from sports and music to creative projects and school events, there is always something exciting happening. Every day they are happy to go in, which says it all!
We honestly couldn’t be happier with the school and the wonderful team behind it.
Caroline & Tony Crowe October 2025
October 13, 2025
A lovely, friendly atmosphere; children and pupils happy to be there. What is really nice is that children from different age groups all know each other. My daughter says: “There are no bullies in our school!” The small size of the school means each child gets plenty of attention. (Eavan)
April 15, 2018
"Even though it may sound overly positive, it's the best school I could have ever imagined. The fact that there are few students makes them consider each other as one big family. In our case, as we moved from Spain to Ireland, what I was looking for was emotional support, which I have found to be much higher than expected. The school is simply wonderful".
February 26, 2024
St. Nicholas’ is more than a school to us. It’s a community where our children are nurtured and loved, with afterschool on the premises, extracurricular activities near by and amazing teachers and staff. It is such a wonderful environment for our children to be educated in, celebrating diversity and individuality. Gail Power
October 8, 2025