What to check before you book
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1. Qualifications
Ask whether the teacher holds a current Swim Ireland or STA qualification for the age group. For the difference between those pathways, read STA vs Swim Ireland and how to become an instructor.
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2. Class size and pool time
Group lessons should state how many children share a teacher and how many minutes they are actually in the water. A cheap term with 12 children in a 25-minute slot is a different product to six children in 30 minutes. See why not all lessons are equal.
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3. Price against a named public rate
Ranges only help if you can check a real page. Trinity Sport, for example, publishes kids courses at €120 for 8 weeks and €90 for 6 weeks on our kids swimming guide (checked 23 August 2026). Wider ranges and what you are paying for are on lesson costs in Ireland.
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4. The right type of session
Baby, kids, adult beginner, private, club squad, and open water are not interchangeable. Start with the matching guide: baby, kids, adult, private, clubs, open water.
Where to search and enquire
Live listings, parent reviews, and enquire forms sit on SwimPro. Use that search when you are ready to contact a school. What galas and races are is on our events guide. This year's dates are on SwimPro.