Mary Mother Of Hope Senior National School
Castaheany, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 429 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 181 girls, 248 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20137P the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Mary Mother of Hope Senior National School is a co‑educational Catholic primary school situated in Littlepace, Dublin, operating under the patronage of the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin. The school’s ethos is firmly rooted in Christian values, promoting mutual respect, tolerance and an intercultural community encapsulated by its motto “Many Cultures, One Community”. A strong emphasis is placed on the full and harmonious development of each child – academically, socially, spiritually and physically – with a curriculum that integrates religious education, health and wellbeing programmes, and opportunities for digital leadership and active movement breaks. The campus was expanded in 2014 with new facilities housed in the Gannon Tower, enhancing the learning environment for the 423 pupils currently enrolled across sixteen classes (four each in Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth levels). The school provides a safe, caring atmosphere where pupils are encouraged to explore their talents, develop personal and professional skills, and engage with the wider community through parish activities and collaborative projects with parents and local organisations.
History
Mary Mother of Hope National School was founded in 2001, with Mr Enda McGorman serving as the founding principal. It began as a single co‑educational school under the patronage of the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin. In 2008 the institution was divided into separate Junior and Senior schools. The school campus received significant enhancements in 2014, including new facilities added to the Gannon Tower. After twenty‑two years of service, the founding principal stepped down in November 2023, and the school’s leadership transitioned to a new principal and deputy principal, continuing the legacy of excellence.
Applying to Mary Mother Of Hope Senior 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 Mary Mother Of Hope Senior 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 Mary Mother Of Hope Senior National School
How many pupils attend Mary Mother Of Hope Senior National School?
Mary Mother Of Hope Senior National School has 429 pupils enrolled, 181 girls and 248 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Mary Mother Of Hope Senior National School a DEIS school?
No. Mary Mother Of Hope Senior 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 Mary Mother Of Hope Senior National School?
Mary Mother Of Hope Senior National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.