St Joseph's school, like many of its kind throughout the country, was established as a result of the efforts of local people who were concerned with the lack of services available for children with learning disabilities. To organise the provision of these services The Galway County Association for Mentally Handicapped Children was founded in 1962. It's first aim was to set up a school and it succeeded in this two years later when, on the 27th of January 1964, St Joseph's opened its doors for the first time.

It was officially recognised by the Department of Education in March of that year and the first principal, Mary McGagh, was appointed in April.

On the left is the original building occupied for the first time in January '64.