Drumcondra National School
Drumcondra, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 81 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 33 girls, 48 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 15895H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Drumcondra National School is a small, vibrant primary school serving a roll of 81 children. Managed by the Church of Ireland and closely linked with the local parish, the school provides a nurturing, inclusive environment where every pupil is valued regardless of gender, background, or ability. The ethos promotes a climate of caring, belonging and fairness, encouraging collaboration and mutual respect among students, staff and families. The school operates four mixed‑age classes – Junior & Senior Infants, 1st class, 2nd & 3rd class, and 4th‑6th class – allowing for personalised learning and strong community ties. Facilities include a modern building opened in 2015 after a major extension project, offering spacious classrooms, a dedicated hot‑lunch area and access to outdoor play spaces. Additional support is provided through a Special Educational Needs/Support teacher, a part‑time New Entrant EAL teacher and full‑time Special Needs Assistants, ensuring that diverse learning needs are met. A focus on experiential learning is evident in regular science‑week STEM activities, seasonal projects and a broad curriculum that balances academic rigour with creative and social development.
History
Drumcondra National School opened on 20 August 1906 with 67 pupils, driven by the Reverend E.H. and led by first principal Thomas Boyd and assistant Annie Watt. Housed initially in a corrugated‑iron prefab beside Drumcondra Church, the school moved to its present Church Avenue site in 1907 as enrolment rapidly grew. The centenary was celebrated on 27 April 2007 with a service and a gathering attended by over 400 former and current pupils, and President Mary McAleese visited in May 2007. After extensive fundraising, a new extension began in 2014, prompting a temporary relocation to the Childvision grounds. The purpose‑built new building was officially opened on 22 May 2015 by the Most Reverend Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh.
Applying to Drumcondra 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 Drumcondra 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 Drumcondra National School
How many pupils attend Drumcondra National School?
Drumcondra National School has 81 pupils enrolled, 33 girls and 48 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Drumcondra National School a DEIS school?
No. Drumcondra 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 Drumcondra National School?
Drumcondra National School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed primary school.