Education is compulsory in Ireland for all children between the ages of 6 and 16. Most Irish children start school at age 4 or 5. In the state system children attend primary school until they are 12 or 13 years old, and then transfer to secondary schools until they are 17 or 18.

There are several international schools in Ireland, including a French school, a Japanese school and a German school. However, there are no restrictions on the children of foreign nationals attending state schools in Ireland, and the standard of education in these schools is high. Most state schools are Catholic, although there are a growing number of religious schools of other denominations. There are also many private schools.

Education in state schools is provided free of charge, although parents are usually required to pay for books and uniform.

There is a national curriculum followed by all state schools, which is very exam-oriented. Religious education forms an important part of the curriculum in Ireland, but parents can opt to withdraw their children from religion classes.

The school year in Ireland is from the beginning of September to the end of June, and the school day is usually between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. or thereabouts.

You are required to apply for admissions direct to the school of your choice. Each school will have an admissions policy, which usually includes giving priority to children living in the immediate vicinity.