Mount Carmel Secondary School
Dublin 1, Dublin
Key facts
- DEIS
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 386 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 60853T the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Mount Carmel Secondary School is a voluntary Catholic secondary school for girls situated in the heart of Dublin city centre, a short walk from O’Connell Street and the Jervis Luas stop. The school operates under the patronage of the Religious Sisters of Charity and participates in the Department of Education and Skills’ DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) action plan, including the School Completion Programme. With a current enrolment of 383 pupils, the student body is highly diverse – half of the learners come from thirty‑two different countries, bringing a rich multicultural dimension to the school community. The school’s educational philosophy is centred on the holistic development of each young woman, fostering academic excellence alongside personal growth, confidence and a love of lifelong learning. A Catholic ethos underpins the curriculum, yet the school is inclusive of all religious and cultural backgrounds. Facilities benefit from the central location, providing easy access to Dublin’s museums, galleries and historic sites for field studies, while modern classrooms and up‑to‑date resources support a broad curriculum that includes strong programmes in sport, music and the arts. An official school app delivers real‑time notifications of events and news, enhancing communication with families.
History
Mount Carmel Secondary School was founded by the Religious Sisters of Charity and is the oldest secondary school in Dublin city centre, with its origins dating back to 1812. Maintaining a strong Catholic tradition and ethos, the school has evolved to welcome students of all religious traditions and a wide range of nationalities, reflecting the inclusive vision of its foundress, Mary Aikenhead.
Applying to Mount Carmel Secondary 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 post-primary school dates apply broadly to Mount Carmel Secondary 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: 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 Mount Carmel Secondary School
How many pupils attend Mount Carmel Secondary School?
Mount Carmel Secondary School has 386 pupils enrolled. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Mount Carmel Secondary School a DEIS school?
Yes. Mount Carmel Secondary School 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 Mount Carmel Secondary School?
Mount Carmel Secondary School has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' post-primary school.