Castleknock National School
Castleknock, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 198 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 97 girls, 101 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18623M the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Castleknock National School is a Church of Ireland primary school situated in the heart of Castleknock village, Dublin 15. Operating under the patronage of the Archbishop of Dublin, the school is committed to providing a safe, happy environment that nurtures the holistic development of each child. The curriculum places equal emphasis on moral, spiritual, physical, academic, aesthetic and cultural growth, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect, encouragement and celebration of diversity. The school is a single‑stream institution with approximately 208 pupils organised into eight classes. It offers a well‑rounded educational experience supported by a team of specialist teachers, including special educational needs staff, and a low teacher‑to‑pupil ratio. Modern facilities include a playing field, a concrete play area with shelter, fully equipped toilets and cloakrooms, a water tower, and up‑to‑date computer technology that enhances learning across subjects. A vibrant Parents’ Association actively raises funds to supplement the school programme with extra‑curricular activities, ensuring that children have access to a broad range of experiences beyond the classroom. The school’s ethos promotes the development of confident, well‑rounded individuals ready to progress to secondary education at around twelve years of age.
History
The school traces its origins to 1720 when the Castleknock Endowed School was established, likely as a modest hut‑type structure adjacent to the present parish centre. In 1962 a new building was dedicated by the Most Rev. G.O. Simms, Archbishop of Dublin, and opened by the deputy Chief Inspector of the Department of Education, Mr. D. O’ hUallachain. The 1962 facilities provided for 64 pupils and included modern amenities such as a playing field, concrete play place, play shelter, toilets, cloakroom and a water tower. Today the school serves a growing community of roughly 208 children, equipped with the latest computer technology and supported by an active Parents’ Association.
Applying to Castleknock 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 Castleknock 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 Castleknock National School
How many pupils attend Castleknock National School?
Castleknock National School has 198 pupils enrolled, 97 girls and 101 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Castleknock National School a DEIS school?
No. Castleknock 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 Castleknock National School?
Castleknock National School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed primary school.