Secondary school

Coláiste Dún an Rí

Kingscourt, Cavan

Key facts

  • Mixed
Pupils enrolled
663 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
Girls and boys
329 girls, 334 boys
Ethos
Multi Denominational
Teaching through Irish
No subjects taught through Irish
Roll number
76313A the Department of Education reference for this school

School details

Address
Ernan's Hill, Kingscourt
Location
Kingscourt, Cavan
School type
Secondary
Latest inspection reports
View on gov.ie

Location

About

Coláiste Dún an Rí is a modern secondary school that opened its doors in 2016. It occupies a purpose‑built, state‑of‑the‑art campus that was completed in 2017, providing contemporary classrooms, specialist laboratories and dedicated spaces for sport and the arts. The school places a strong emphasis on a balanced educational experience, offering a comprehensive academic curriculum alongside a wide range of extra‑curricular activities. Students benefit from a highly trained and experienced staff who support achievement in both the classroom and beyond. The college’s programme is designed to nurture talent across a variety of fields. Academic success is reflected in strong performance at state examinations, while sporting excellence is demonstrated through achievements in basketball and football. Participation and accolades in national competitions such as the BT Young Scientist, SciFest and Enterprise Ireland further illustrate the school’s commitment to fostering innovation and enterprise. Prospective families can explore the campus via a virtual tour and stay informed through regular news updates, prospectus information and clearly published policies.

History

Coláiste Dún an Rí was established in 2016 with an initial enrolment of 68 students. In 2017 the school moved into a new, purpose‑built building, marking a significant step in its development. Since its inception the college has grown rapidly, reaching an enrolment of approximately 690 students as it entered its second cycle of students. The school continues to expand its facilities and programmes to meet the evolving needs and wellbeing of its student community.

Applying to Coláiste Dún an Rí

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 Coláiste Dún an Rí's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)

Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Coláiste Dún an Rí. 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: 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 Coláiste Dún an Rí

How many pupils attend Coláiste Dún an Rí?

Coláiste Dún an Rí has 663 pupils enrolled, 329 girls and 334 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.

Is Coláiste Dún an Rí a DEIS school?

No. Coláiste Dún an Rí 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 Coláiste Dún an Rí?

Coláiste Dún an Rí has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.