Bishop Galvin National School
Templeogue, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 461 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 214 girls, 247 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19494J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Bishop Galvin National School is a Catholic co‑educational primary school situated in the parish of St Jude the Apostle, Willington, Templeogue, serving children from third to sixth class (approximately eight to twelve years old). The school’s ethos is built around the motto “Ní neart go cur le chéile” – strength through togetherness – and it strives to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment where pupils develop academically, socially and spiritually. A strong emphasis is placed on modern learning technologies: every classroom is equipped with interactive whiteboards, a dedicated computer room and iPads are available for collaborative work, supporting a proud tradition in information technology. The school offers a broad range of extracurricular activities. An on‑site art room with a kiln enables pupils to create pottery, and an annual visual‑arts exhibition showcases student work. Whole‑school singing, musical productions, talent shows and a vibrant sporting programme – including successful cross‑country and athletics teams that compete at national venues such as Croke Park and Santry – enrich the pupil experience. With nearly 500 children and a team of 26 teachers, supported by special‑needs assistants and a caretaker, the school provides a well‑resourced setting for holistic development.
History
Bishop Galvin National School opened in 1975 on land granted by the Columban Fathers, named after Bishop Edward Galvin, a missionary priest and co‑founder of the Columban Fathers. The inaugural enrolment was 102 pupils with six teachers, and the first principal was Seán Healy (retired 1994). Subsequent principals were Jimmy O’Dwyer (1994‑2006) and Eamonn Treacy, with Kathryn Corbett appointed in November 2016. By 1979 a second school, Bishop Shanahan N.S., was established to accommodate younger children, while Bishop Galvin N.S. continued to serve third to sixth class. Today the school educates almost 500 pupils with a staff of 26, including mainstream and special‑education teachers, and maintains a strong tradition in technology, the arts and sport.
Applying to Bishop Galvin National School
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 primary school dates apply broadly to Bishop Galvin National School. 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: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 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 Bishop Galvin National School
How many pupils attend Bishop Galvin National School?
Bishop Galvin National School has 461 pupils enrolled, 214 girls and 247 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Bishop Galvin National School a DEIS school?
No. Bishop Galvin National School 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 Bishop Galvin National School?
Bishop Galvin National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.