Carysfort National School
Blackrock, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 583 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 330 girls, 253 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 14586M the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Carysfort National School is a well‑established co‑educational primary school situated in the heart of Blackrock, Co. Dublin, serving around 600 pupils. The school embraces a Catholic ethos while welcoming children of all faiths and none, fostering an inclusive community where every child’s academic, social, emotional and creative development is supported. A broad, balanced curriculum is enriched with a wide range of creative, sporting and cultural activities, encouraging pupils to explore interests, develop new skills and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. The school benefits from modern facilities that have grown from the original 19th‑century red‑brick building. Additions such as Loreto House (five extra classrooms added in 1998) and the expanded Áras Mhuire wing (further five classrooms in 2018) provide contemporary learning spaces. Strong partnerships with parents, the Board of Management and the Parents’ Association underpin a safe, child‑centred environment that is both forward‑looking and responsive to the needs of its community.
History
The Sisters of Mercy purchased Carysfort House and its grounds in 1891 and opened a new red‑brick school on the estate in November 1895, originally named Blackrock Convent School. The name later changed to Carysfort National School. Early leadership was provided by religious sisters, with the first lay principal appointed in 1986. The site hosted the National School teachers’ training college from 1903 until its closure in 1988, and also accommodated the Irish‑language secondary school Coláiste Iosagáin (1971‑1975). Over the years the school has expanded its classroom capacity, notably with Loreto House (1998) and an Áras Mhuire extension (2018). Carysfort celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2020 and counts among its alumni former Minister of Education Niamh Bhreathnach, MEP Barry Andrews, rugby player Garry Ringrose and broadcaster Ryan Tubridy.
Applying to Carysfort 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
View Carysfort National School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Carysfort National School. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Carysfort National School
How many pupils attend Carysfort National School?
Carysfort National School has 583 pupils enrolled, 330 girls and 253 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Carysfort National School a DEIS school?
No. Carysfort 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 Carysfort National School?
Carysfort National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.