Dunamase College (Coláiste Dhún Másc)
Portlaoise, Laois
Key facts
- Some Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 506 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 248 girls, 258 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- Some pupils taught all subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 76474B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Dunamase College / Coláiste Dhún Máis is a co‑educational secondary school in Portlaoise, County Laois, founded in 2017. It delivers the curriculum through both English and Irish (trí mheán na Gaeilge), fostering bilingual proficiency while preparing students for a rapidly changing world. The school’s ethos centres on flexibility, creativity, resilience and critical thinking, and it promotes a vibrant, inclusive community where diversity is respected and celebrated. The college benefits from modern, up‑to‑date classrooms and a strong partnership with the Portlaoise Leisure Centre, giving pupils access to high‑quality sporting facilities. Musical development is enhanced through close links with the local school of music, and a broad extra‑curricular programme, including STEAM initiatives, sport, drama and the Gaisce award, offers ample opportunities for personal growth. As a “digital school”, Dunamase integrates the latest educational technologies into its teaching and learning, ensuring students develop the digital literacy essential for future success.
History
Dunamase College was established in 2017. Since its inception the school has experienced rapid growth and development, evolving into a dynamic and thriving educational community within a short period.
Applying to Dunamase College (Coláiste Dhún Másc)
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.
School-published admissions links
These links come from the school's published admissions material. Check the school year shown before relying on dates or place numbers.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Dunamase College (Coláiste Dhún Másc). 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: 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 Dunamase College (Coláiste Dhún Másc)
How many pupils attend Dunamase College (Coláiste Dhún Másc)?
Dunamase College (Coláiste Dhún Másc) has 506 pupils enrolled, 248 girls and 258 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Dunamase College (Coláiste Dhún Másc) a DEIS school?
No. Dunamase College (Coláiste Dhún Másc) 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.
Does Dunamase College (Coláiste Dhún Másc) teach through Irish?
Partly. Dunamase College (Coláiste Dhún Másc) teaches some subjects through Irish.