Loreto College
School Details
About
Loreto College, Swords is a Catholic all‑girls secondary school that fosters a caring, enabling learning community. The school’s ethos is rooted in the Loreto tradition and the values of its founder Mary Ward, with a daily emphasis on truth, freedom, justice, sincerity and joy. Academic life is complemented by a strong Christian moral framework, encouraging mutual respect between staff and students and promoting personal development alongside scholastic achievement. The college offers a range of modern facilities, including an extension added in 2004 that provides two new meeting rooms, an enlarged office suite and additional classroom space. A virtual tour showcases well‑equipped science labs, a library, and dedicated areas for sport and the arts. Co‑curricular programmes such as first‑year soccer, swimming galas, geography field trips and Maths Week enrich the student experience and support a holistic education.
History
Loreto College, Swords opened in September 1988 after relocating from North Great Georges Street, where the Loreto school had operated since 1837. The institution traces its origins to Mary Ward (1585‑1645) and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, introduced to Ireland by Frances Teresa Ball in 1821. Construction began on 1 March 1987 and the college welcomed 120 first‑year pupils and 552 students overall on its opening day. It was officially blessed and opened on 13 April 1989. An extension was added in 2004, and the school celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2018, with a current enrolment of around 629 pupils.