Paradise Place Etns
Dorset Street Upper, Dublin
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 239 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 115 girls, 124 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20436C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Paradise Place Educate Together National School is an inclusive, vibrant primary school situated in Dublin’s north inner city on Paradise Place, just off Upper Dorset Street. The school welcomes children of all backgrounds, ensuring that no religion or worldview is given priority and that every child has equal access to learning regardless of gender, identity or ability. A strong emphasis is placed on democratic participation, with pupils and parents encouraged to take an active role in school life while the professional expertise of staff is respected. The curriculum follows the Learn Together Ethical Education framework, integrating English, Gaeilge and home‑language use, a modern foreign language module, and a hands‑on STEM programme that encourages investigation and experimentation. Thematic units in history, geography, visual arts, music, drama and wellbeing foster creativity, physical activity and social‑personal‑health education. The school’s commitment to inclusion and sustainability is reflected in its Yellow Flag, Green School and DCU Changemaker recognitions, as well as awards for language excellence and STEM achievement. Classrooms are organised to provide a supportive, resource‑rich environment where each child can develop independence, confidence and a sense of belonging.
History
Paradise Place Educate Together National School was established on 15 April 2024 when St Mary’s Primary School transferred from Catholic patronage to the equality‑based Educate Together patronage, becoming the first primary school in Ireland to make such a change. The original St Mary’s Primary School was founded in 1855 by the Irish Christian Brothers, with an extension added in 1874. In the 1930s all subjects were taught through Irish and the school’s choir gained city‑wide reputation. After the old building was sold in 1980, a new school was constructed on the present site and amalgamated with St Joseph’s Dorset Street and St Michan’s Halston Street to form Scoil Plas Mhuire for boys. In 1990 a girls’ school, Scoil Mhuire s Iosaf (originating from an 1866 orphanage run by the Irish Sisters of Charity), moved into the same premises; the two schools shared the building until 2013 when they merged again as St Mary’s Primary School. Following a comprehensive community consultation in 2022‑2023, the school transferred to Educate Together patronage and was renamed Paradise Place ETNS in 2024.
Applying to Paradise Place Etns
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 Paradise Place Etns. 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 Paradise Place Etns
How many pupils attend Paradise Place Etns?
Paradise Place Etns has 239 pupils enrolled, 115 girls and 124 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Paradise Place Etns a DEIS school?
Yes. Paradise Place Etns 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 Paradise Place Etns?
Paradise Place Etns has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed primary school.