Marian College Ballsbridge
Dublin 4, Dublin
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 319 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 60500J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Marian College Dublin is a voluntary, non‑fee‑charging secondary school for boys situated in the south side of Dublin. Established by the Marist Brothers in 1954, the college embraces a Catholic Marist ethos centred on simplicity, presence, family spirit, love of work and the Way of Mary. Its educational philosophy promotes the holistic development of each pupil, integrating faith, culture and everyday life to foster self‑worth, confidence and a commitment to community. The school offers a broad, balanced curriculum that includes a wide range of academic subjects, from the sciences and mathematics to languages, ICT and the arts, supplemented by a vibrant extra‑curricular programme. State‑of‑the‑art facilities comprise a two‑storey main building with a theatre/assembly hall, a swimming pool, modern laboratories, interactive whiteboards and a fully equipped ICT suite. A strong sporting tradition is evident through dedicated provisions for rugby, basketball, table‑tennis, water‑polo, soccer, Gaelic football, hurling and cricket, alongside recent upgrades such as outdoor basketball courts and a sportshall project. Marian College is committed to inclusive education, participating in the Trinity Access Programme and the DEIS School Completion Programme to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The college’s motto, *Optimum Optare* (the pursuit of excellence), underpins its aim to nurture talent, encourage academic challenge and prepare students for successful entry to third‑level education and beyond.
History
The college was founded on 8 September 1954 at Riverside House on the banks of the River Dodder after Archbishop Dr John Charles McQuaid invited the Marist Brothers to open a school, naming it Marian College in honour of the Marian Year. For its first 34 years the school was led by four Marist Brothers and expanded its facilities, including a two‑storey main building with a theatre in 1956 and a swimming pool with additional classrooms in 1964. In 1967 the college joined the free‑education scheme. Lay involvement grew with the establishment of a Board of Management and the appointment of the first lay principal in 1988. Subsequent decades saw the introduction of a wide array of sports, the transition year programme, the Trinity Access Programme, and participation in DEIS initiatives, all contributing to the college’s reputation for high‑standard, inclusive education.
Applying to Marian College Ballsbridge
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 Marian College Ballsbridge. 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 Marian College Ballsbridge
How many pupils attend Marian College Ballsbridge?
Marian College Ballsbridge has 319 pupils enrolled. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Marian College Ballsbridge a DEIS school?
Yes. Marian College Ballsbridge is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of Marian College Ballsbridge?
Marian College Ballsbridge has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.