About Our Primary School

St Nicholas’ Parochial School is a co-educational, child-centred school with a long tradition of serving the youth of Galway. It is located in the heart of Galway City in Waterside, Woodquay. It is situated beside the Town Hall Theatre and is within close walking distance of the University of Galway and the hospital (UHG). This Church of Ireland School is the Parish School of St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church.

Our Primary school aims to provide an opportunity for each child to reach his/her potential in a co-educational setting and friendly atmosphere. It also aims to develop in each child the capacity to think clearly, creatively and critically and is a place where moral values and civic responsibility are nurtured and protected.

The Irish Primary Curriculum is delivered in an integrated manner, respective and appreciative of different religious affiliations and of different nationalities of the world. Facilities are available for children who wish to make their First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

Due to the central location of our Galway City Primary School (beside the Town Hall Theatre), our pupils have the opportunity to attend many different educational events within the city. The children regularly visit the Town Hall Theatre, Dubray Book Shop, The Black Box Theatre, The Galway City Museum, The City Library, Woodquay Park, The Plots (football pitch), The University, The Hospital and many other locations of interest.

Our school also offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities such as Swimming, Hockey, Drama, Chinese, French, Zumba, Ladybirds, Brownies, Music and Yoga.

St. Nicholas’ have an After School Facility in the school which facilitates homework and provides a range of activities.

The majority of the sixth class pupils transfer to local secondary schools in the Galway area.

School hours are as follows: 

Infants Classes: 8.30am to 1.20pm 

First Class –  Sixth Class: 8.30am to 2.20pm

ENROLMENT

Interested in Enrolling?

What’s Happening?

Walk to School Week 2024

Walk to School Week 2024

‍Next week is Walk to School Week! We will be meeting at the Black Box Theatre on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday morning at 8:10 am. Be there if you can – we love these walk to school together days! #Throwback #ActiveSchool #GreenSchool #WalkToSchoolWeek2024

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Cress Seeds

Cress Seeds

These children were busy sowing cress seeds in eggshells this morning, to create their very own head with cress hair! Now we just have to wait for the magic to happen! #Science #PlantLife #SchoolLife #HandsOnLearning #CursiveWriting [gallery link="file"...

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Science Experiment

Science Experiment

Today, 3rd and 4th class had fun learning about the water cycle with a hands-on experiment! They made 'shaving cream rain clouds' to see how rain forms and falls to the Earth. The students loved watching the food colouring 'rain' drip through the clouds. Science is...

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Testimonials

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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

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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

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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

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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 & Dr Simon Western (CEO The Eco-Leadership Institute)

 

February 6, 2024

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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

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"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

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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

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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

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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

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St. Nicholas' Parochial School is an extremely special place. Our son joined the school in fourth class. The Principal Wendy Lynch assured me that they would look after him and I can wholeheartedly say they have done so much more than that.  He is now up every morning dressed ready and waiting at the front door dying to get to school! An absolute miracle for us. The care and attention given by the fabulous teachers is incredible.  Our daughter has now joined in Senior Infants and both she and her brother are happy and thriving.  We cannot thank the staff of this school enough for what they have done for our family. There is no better school in Galway! Eimear Butler and John Royliston

February 6, 2024

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Fantastic school. Our two boys attend, one in first class and the other in junior infants and both are so happy going in every day. They are learning so much and having fun doing it. They regularly participate in a variety of activities and events and love coming home sharing all they've done. The teachers and principal are experienced and caring and they always encourage the children in everything they do. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming and we are delighted to be part of this school family. Caroline & Tony Crowe

 

 

February 7, 2024