Glen Na Smol National School
Bohernabreena, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 56 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 29 girls, 27 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17996A the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Glenasmole National School is a Catholic primary school under the patronage of the Archbishop of Dublin, offering a welcoming environment for children of all faiths. The school’s ethos is rooted in Christian values while promoting equality of opportunity, encouraging each pupil to reach their full educational potential across academic, social, cultural, moral and spiritual dimensions. Learning is presented as a joyful, holistic experience where curiosity and creativity are nurtured through hands‑on projects, student‑led initiatives and a strong partnership with parents. The school provides a broad co‑curricular programme that includes creative arts, STEM discovery, active physical activity, green‑school projects and a vibrant student council. These activities support an inclusive approach, scaffolding support for those who need extra help and offering challenges for more advanced learners. The motto “Ní neart go cur le chéile” – “We are stronger together” – reflects the community spirit that underpins everyday life at Glenasmole, fostering empathy, collaboration and a sense of belonging.
History
Glenasmole National School was constructed in 1958 and opened its doors to pupils on 7 January 1959. It occupies the site of an earlier boys’ school that had operated since 1864 and was amalgamated with a girls’ school dating from 1856 (the former girls’ school building is now the home of the McCarthy family). Both original schools were part of the National Schools system and were patronised by Charles Cobbe, who resided at Newbridge House, Donabate, and owned Glenasmole Lodge (locally known as Cobbe’s Lodge) together with extensive surrounding lands.
Applying to Glen Na Smol 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 Glen Na Smol 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 Glen Na Smol National School
How many pupils attend Glen Na Smol National School?
Glen Na Smol National School has 56 pupils enrolled, 29 girls and 27 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Glen Na Smol National School a DEIS school?
No. Glen Na Smol 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 Glen Na Smol National School?
Glen Na Smol National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.