Holy Rosary College
Galway
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 720 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 360 girls, 360 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 63090I the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Holy Rosary College, situated in Mountbellew, Co. Galway, is a voluntary Catholic secondary school that delivers a holistic education within a safe and caring environment. The college’s ethos places the dignity and uniqueness of every student at the centre of its work, fostering a community where Gospel‑based relationships, mutual respect and personal development are paramount. A strong emphasis is placed on both academic rigour and the nurturing of spiritual, social and emotional growth, with a clear commitment to inclusive practice for learners with special needs. The campus comprises a range of purpose‑built facilities that support a broad curriculum. Modern science laboratories, a well‑stocked library, Home Economics rooms for cookery and textiles, and a dedicated technology block equipped for woodwork, drawing and construction studies underpin the academic programme. Additional resources include a computer suite, sports amenities and specialised spaces for extra‑curricular activities. The school’s well‑maintained grounds and ongoing investment in new classrooms reflect its aim to provide a balanced, high‑quality learning environment that prepares students for further education and life beyond school.
History
Holy Rosary College originated as Scoil na Coróine Muire, a girls’ secondary school founded in 1944 by the Sisters of the Holy Spirit and Mary Immaculate, who had established St Philips Convent in Mountbellew in 1934. In 1965 Archbishop Walsh invited the Sisters to admit boys, but the congregation withdrew and the Sisters of the Christian Retreat took over the property. In September 1965 the school was renamed Holy Rosary College and became co‑educational with 27 boys and a total enrolment of 79. Over the following decades the college expanded rapidly: a prefabricated block with science facilities was added in 1966, followed by successive building stages in 1970 (science labs, home economics, library), 1972 (west wing classrooms, geography and art rooms), 1977 (east wing and additional classrooms), and later technology and technical drawing blocks in the 1990s. The school introduced the Leaving Certificate in 1991, physical education in 1979 and a computer room in 1986, and now serves a pupil population exceeding 600.
Applying to Holy Rosary College
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 Holy Rosary College. 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 Holy Rosary College
How many pupils attend Holy Rosary College?
Holy Rosary College has 720 pupils enrolled, 360 girls and 360 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Holy Rosary College a DEIS school?
No. Holy Rosary College 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.
What is the ethos of Holy Rosary College?
Holy Rosary College has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.