Danu Community Special School
Blanchardstown, Dublin
Key facts
- Special school
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 43 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 6 girls, 37 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20548N the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Danu Community Special School is a community‑based special school serving children and young people aged four to eighteen in the Dublin 15 area. It delivers a child‑centred, balanced curriculum that is tailored to the individual needs, abilities and learning styles of each learner, with a strong focus on fostering independence, confidence and social inclusion. The school’s ethos is underpinned by the values of equality, collaboration, professionalism and integrity, and it works closely with parents, health and social‑care partners and local agencies to ensure a holistic, supportive learning experience. The school operates from a purpose‑built, six‑classroom facility on the Rathdara Community College campus, providing specialised spaces and resources for pupils with a wide range of disabilities and complex needs. A safe, nurturing environment is maintained through high professional standards, effective communication and a culture of respect, enabling students to participate fully in school life and the wider community. Emphasis is placed on building strong relationships with families, recognising parents as primary educators, and promoting meaningful collaboration with all stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes for each learner.
History
The school was sanctioned in July 2019 by the Department of Education under the patronage of the Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board. Its first cohort of students arrived on 18 November 2019, initially housed in a temporary facility at Hansfield Educate Together Secondary School. On 24 April 2022 the school relocated to a dedicated six‑classroom building on the Rathdara Community College campus in Dublin 15, where it continues to operate and expand its specialist provision.
Applying to Danu Community Special 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 Danu Community Special 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 Danu Community Special School
How many pupils attend Danu Community Special School?
Danu Community Special School has 43 pupils enrolled, 6 girls and 37 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Danu Community Special School a DEIS school?
No. Danu Community Special 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 Danu Community Special School?
Danu Community Special School has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed primary school.