Presentation Primary School Ballymakenny
Drogheda, Louth
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 385 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 243 girls, 142 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 00851C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Presentation Primary School Ballymakenny is a co‑educational Catholic primary school serving the Drogheda community. The school follows the educational ethos of the Presentation Sisters, emphasising a holistic approach that nurtures spiritual, academic, social and emotional development. A strong focus is placed on inclusive learning, with programmes that promote digital literacy, environmental awareness through its Green School initiatives, and health and wellbeing as part of its Health‑Promoting School framework. The school offers a broad curriculum that includes core subjects, French language instruction, and a range of extracurricular activities such as choir, GAA, and various fundraising projects. Modern facilities support interactive learning, and the school’s commitment to a supportive, values‑based environment aims to develop confident, caring individuals who are prepared for the challenges of the future. Parents are kept informed through regular updates on the school’s blog and social media, and the school provides resources such as virtual tours for new pupils to ease transitions. The community spirit is reinforced by an active Parents Association and a vibrant school life that celebrates both academic achievement and cultural heritage.
History
The origins of Presentation education in Ireland trace back to Nano Nagle (1718‑1784), who founded the first schools for Catholic children in Cork in 1775, laying the foundation for the Presentation Sisters. Responding to a request from the people of Drogheda in 1811, the Sisters established the town’s first Presentation School for boys and girls on Whit Monday 1813 in a modest house on Fair Street. A larger two‑storey building was erected in 1858 to accommodate growing numbers, and in 1870 the Daughters of Charity assumed responsibility for the boys’ education, leaving the Presentation School as a girls‑only institution. Further expansion occurred in 1914 with a new extension. Secondary education in Drogheda was provided by the Sienna Sisters until 1921, after which the Presentation Sisters opened St Philomena’s High School in 1922 for their primary pupils, and later, in 1939, Our Lady’s College at Greenhills began boarding provision. The primary school continues this long tradition of Presentation education, serving the local community with a focus on faith‑based learning and community involvement.
Applying to Presentation Primary School Ballymakenny
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 Presentation Primary School Ballymakenny. 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 Presentation Primary School Ballymakenny
How many pupils attend Presentation Primary School Ballymakenny?
Presentation Primary School Ballymakenny has 385 pupils enrolled, 243 girls and 142 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Presentation Primary School Ballymakenny a DEIS school?
Yes. Presentation Primary School Ballymakenny 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 Presentation Primary School Ballymakenny?
Presentation Primary School Ballymakenny has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.