Loreto College
Cavan
Key facts
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 663 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 61070P the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Loreto College Cavan is a Catholic, all‑girls secondary school set in a tranquil woodland campus at Drumkeen, just outside Cavan town. The college combines a strong academic programme with a balanced pastoral and physical education offering, aiming to develop confident, resilient and compassionate young women. Its ethos is rooted in the vision of Mary Ward and is expressed through the values of Joy, Freedom, Sincerity, Truth and Justice, which guide daily life and learning. The school provides a wide range of specialist facilities. A modern science block, Home Economics rooms, a Geography suite and a dedicated career‑guidance area support a broad curriculum, while a gymnasium, changing rooms, music room and multipurpose hall cater for sport, performing arts and community events. Recent extensions have added spacious classrooms and modern learning environments, ensuring that students benefit from contemporary resources in a supportive, values‑driven community.
History
Loreto College Cavan opened its doors in September 1930 after the Loreto sisters arrived on 1 May 1930 to take possession of a house at Drumkeen purchased from Mr Andrew Mc Carren. The school began with 39 boarders and 76 day pupils. A new building was completed in 1933, and further expansions followed: a veranda (1940‑41), a third storey added in the 1950s, classroom extensions in 1968, and a new school block opened in January 1973 containing science, Home Economics, Geography, staff and career‑guidance facilities. A major 1977 extension added a gymnasium, changing rooms, music room and hall. The college recently celebrated the 90th anniversary of its foundation and remains one of the most prestigious girls’ schools in the north‑east region.
Applying to Loreto College
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 post-primary school dates apply broadly to Loreto College. 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 Loreto College
How many pupils attend Loreto College?
Loreto College has 663 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Loreto College a DEIS school?
No. Loreto College 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 Loreto College?
Loreto College has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' post-primary school.