Castlefin 1 Boys National School
Lifford, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 155 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 79 girls, 76 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 14910S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Mary’s National School, Castlefinn, is a vibrant primary school that prides itself on a collective ethos, encouraging every pupil to reach their full potential. The school’s motto, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out,” reflects a commitment to fostering confidence, creativity and a love of learning within a supportive community. A clear focus on inclusive education is evident through its learning support facilities and a range of resources designed to meet diverse needs. The campus comprises two historic blocks: the original girls’ building houses second to fourth classes, a library and a kitchen, while the boys’ block accommodates Junior Infants, Senior Infants and First Class. Both structures have been modernised, with the boys’ block receiving a new roof, aluminium windows and doors in 2004‑05. Expansions in 1981, 1996 and 2004 added further classrooms, a multi‑purpose hall, a dedicated learning support room, a resource room and a computer suite, alongside administrative offices. These facilities provide a well‑equipped environment for academic, artistic and physical development.
History
St. Mary’s N.S. Castlefinn began as a joint boys and girls school known as “Barr on Chnoic”. In 1958 a new building for girls was erected, followed by a boys’ building in 1966, later refurbished under the Summer Works Scheme (2004‑05). The two schools amalgamated into a mixed school in 1977. Subsequent extensions in 1981, 1996 and 2004 added classrooms, a multi‑purpose room, learning support facilities, a resource room and a computer suite, shaping the modern campus seen today.
Applying to Castlefin 1 Boys 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 Castlefin 1 Boys 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 Castlefin 1 Boys National School
How many pupils attend Castlefin 1 Boys National School?
Castlefin 1 Boys National School has 155 pupils enrolled, 79 girls and 76 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Castlefin 1 Boys National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Castlefin 1 Boys National 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 Castlefin 1 Boys National School?
Castlefin 1 Boys National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.