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

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

"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' 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

St. Nicholas’ School is not just about education it is so much more than that. Love, kindness, and respect are so prevalent in this school. Teachers are accessible & always available to listen and give advice. The level of attention in developing a whole student is second to none. (Emma)

October 7, 2021

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

The teachers at St. Nicholas' are like family. My children would never have gotten such individual attention at any other school. The support we received was life changing for our family.

February 7, 2024

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

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

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 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 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

St Nicolas’ is a second home for our daughter. It really is! She absolutely loves her time in School! The school is unique! Small and individual teaching. Every Child feels special and important! (Alicja)

October 7, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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