Coláiste Iognáid S.J.
Gaillimh, Galway
Key facts
- Some Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 637 about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 291 girls, 346 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- Some pupils taught some subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 62970K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Coláiste Iognáid S.J. is a co‑educational voluntary secondary school situated in the heart of Galway city and operates under the patronage of the Society of Jesus. The college serves close to 630 pupils who follow a six‑year programme that seeks to develop spiritual, emotional, social and academic abilities. Guided by the Ignatian principles of *cura personalis* and *magis*, the school aims to nurture each learner’s unique gifts while fostering a commitment to justice, community and lifelong learning. The campus combines historic and contemporary facilities. The main Griffin Building, opened in 1969, houses the core teaching spaces, while the O’Reilly Science Block and the refurbished Andrews Building provide modern laboratories, art studios, a well‑stocked library and extensive ICT resources. Recent redevelopments have added state‑of‑the‑art learning environments and a redeveloped boathouse on the Corrib, supporting both academic and co‑curricular pursuits such as rowing, debating and cultural activities. An Irish‑medium form (Scoil Gaeilge) reflects the school’s strong tradition in the Irish language, and a vibrant extracurricular programme encourages students to excel in examinations, sport, the arts and community service.
History
Jesuit education in Galway dates back to 1620, with the first school founded in 1645 through Edmund Kirwan’s generosity. Despite periods of suppression during the Cromwellian, Williamite and later political upheavals, the Jesuits maintained a presence in the city, re‑establishing a college near present‑day Eyre Square in 1859. The school moved to its current Sea Road site in 1863. The modern era began in 1929, and in 1967 the college entered the non‑fee‑paying secondary system. The Griffin Building opened in 1969, followed by a three‑form entry (including an Irish‑medium form) in 1974. A Board of Management was created in 1980. Major building programmes in 1982 added the O’Reilly Science Block, Andrews Building and enhanced library, art and computer facilities. Further redevelopment of the Andrews Building commenced in 2010, and the boathouse was upgraded to provide a modern rowing centre on the Corrib.
Applying to Coláiste Iognáid S.J.
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Coláiste Iognáid S.J.. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Coláiste Iognáid S.J.
How many pupils attend Coláiste Iognáid S.J.?
Coláiste Iognáid S.J. has 637 pupils enrolled, 291 girls and 346 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Coláiste Iognáid S.J. a DEIS school?
No. Coláiste Iognáid S.J. is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
Does Coláiste Iognáid S.J. teach through Irish?
Partly. Coláiste Iognáid S.J. teaches some subjects through Irish.