Fenor National School
Tramore, Waterford
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 172 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 72 girls, 100 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17535K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Fenor National School is a mixed, rural primary school serving children from Junior Infants to Sixth Class in the coastal parish of Dunhill/Fenor, County Waterford. The school provides a welcoming, Catholic‑inspired environment that balances high academic standards with a strong emphasis on belonging, safety and personal confidence. Facilities include two dedicated special‑education classrooms for pupils on the autism spectrum, a Montessori‑style preschool, and an adjacent after‑school centre, all situated on a campus that benefits from the scenic Copper Coast, nearby bog and play‑park. The learning environment is supported by a range of purpose‑built spaces: a modern hall, a well‑equipped staff room, a learning support room with a canteen area, and several specialised rooms for special‑education needs. Recent developments have added a new ASD unit and expanded the preschool facilities, ensuring that all pupils have access to appropriate resources and inclusive programmes. A committed team of staff engages in continuous professional development, fostering innovative teaching aligned with the Irish National Curriculum while nurturing the rural community spirit that defines the school.
History
The original school on the site was erected in 1894 opposite the church, where the car park now stands. In 1946 a two‑room building was constructed to accommodate 100 pupils; this structure now serves as the learning support room and canteen. Three additional classrooms were added in 1985, and the community preserved the original building for parish use. Since then, the school has expanded with five new classrooms, a new hall, a staff room and three special‑education rooms. A major extension was officially opened in March 2014, and the first dedicated ASD classroom opened for the 2019/2020 school year, with €1.1 million earmarked for a new ASD unit. The Montessori preschool, launched in September 1992 with four pupils, has been extensively renovated and operates under the school roof. Generous land donations from the local Curran family have facilitated these expansions.
Applying to Fenor 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 Fenor 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 Fenor National School
How many pupils attend Fenor National School?
Fenor National School has 172 pupils enrolled, 72 girls and 100 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Fenor National School a DEIS school?
No. Fenor 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 Fenor National School?
Fenor National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.