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

St. Nicholas’ Parochial School is a great school because of the friendly environment, qualified staff that are so helpful and understanding. St. Nicholas’ School has plenty of extra activities that the children can choose from.

October 5, 2015

"St Nicholas' Parochial School is an outstanding school where children thrive. It has a community feel and caring ethos.  The staff create a vibrant learning environment giving the children an excellent education and foundation for the future.  Our two children turn up each day with a smile." Dr Simon Western

October 9, 2025

"From the minute I stepped in the doors of St Nicholas' School for the open day I knew it was a very special place and my mind was instantly made up that it was the right school for my children. Three of my children attend now and they adore the school, they look forward to going every day. The children all receive excellent attention from their teachers, and this can be seen in their progress made throughout the year. I would have absolutely no question in recommending this school to any potential students" (Brooke)

October 7, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

St. Nicholas’ School is a top class school with great teachers and a great atmosphere. My children really enjoy this school. I recommend it highly. 5* (Declan)

April 15, 2018

St. Nicholas’ Parochial School is a very good school. They have a unique way of teaching their pupils in such a way that all their students are very prepared academically and morally. Since my daughter was transferred to the school I have seen a lot of improvement. All of the teachers are really friendly. (Anthony)

April 15, 2018

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

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

As our daughter finishes her time at this beautiful primary school, we’re feeling incredibly grateful for the years she’s spent here. From the very beginning, the school has felt like a second home – warm, welcoming, and full of heart.

The teachers are truly passionate about what they do. Their dedication, patience, and genuine care for the children have made a lasting impact on our daughter’s learning and confidence. It’s clear that they go above and beyond, not just to teach, but to truly connect with each child.

What makes this school even more special is the sense of community. The other parents have been so kind and supportive – it really does feel like everyone is looking out for each other. Whether it’s lending a hand, sharing a smile at drop-off, or organising little get-togethers, there's a real spirit of togetherness.

I am very happy that my son will continue his education in this school as he still has few more years to go - otherwise we would miss the small, close-knit environment and the joyful atmosphere that fills the school each day. It’s a place where children are not only educated but also truly cared for. We couldn’t have asked for a better start to our daughter’s school journey. Alicja

October 9, 2025

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

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

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

St Nicholas' is a very welcoming, warm and friendly environment, evident from the moment you walk through the door. Children arrive in the morning with smiles on their faces and they're still there when they leave at the end of the day. Having recently moved to Galway, our children have settled extremely well into life at St Nicholas', which has been made all the easier by the supportive staff and their class peers. Visits to the museum and the theatre ensure that learning is not just confined to the classroom. The children at St Nicholas' are made to feel loved, safe and supported and this enables them to enjoy themselves, eager to learn, curious and develop, academically, socially and emotionally. Éanna

October 9, 2025

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