Carndonagh Community School
Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 1,118 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 565 girls, 553 boys
- Ethos
- Inter Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 91406R the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Carndonagh Community School positions itself as a vibrant learning environment where teaching, learning, work and play are seamlessly integrated. The school embraces a broad, balanced curriculum that combines academic rigour with a strong emphasis on extracurricular achievement. Students benefit from modern digital platforms such as Google Classroom and a dedicated school calendar system, ensuring organised access to resources and timely communication. A well‑resourced guidance department supports personal development and career planning, while specialised support services are available to meet diverse pupil needs. The campus hosts a variety of facilities that cater to both scholarly and creative pursuits. Competitive teams take part in events such as the Donegal ChessZ Tournament and VEX Robotics competitions, reflecting a commitment to STEM and strategic thinking. The school also celebrates artistic expression through drama productions, choir performances and participation in the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. Regular community‑focused events, including an annual prize‑giving ceremony and open nights, foster strong links between students, families and the wider Inishowen community.
Applying to Carndonagh Community 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 post-primary school dates apply broadly to Carndonagh Community 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: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 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 Carndonagh Community School
How many pupils attend Carndonagh Community School?
Carndonagh Community School has 1,118 pupils enrolled, 565 girls and 553 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Carndonagh Community School a DEIS school?
Yes. Carndonagh Community School is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of Carndonagh Community School?
Carndonagh Community School has an Inter Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.