Rathbeggan National School
Dunshaughlin, Meath
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 219 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 118 girls, 101 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18448U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Rathbeggan National School is a small, community‑focused primary school that has served the local area for over 60 years. The school prides itself on an inclusive ethos and a strong emphasis on active learning, encouraging pupils to engage in physical activity through its large playing field, school‑run bus service and a drive‑through drop‑off facility that minimises traffic congestion. Well‑being is central to the curriculum, with award‑winning programmes that develop preventative mental‑health skills, a dedicated sensory space and garden, and the Aistear framework guiding early childhood education. The school’s facilities support a modern, technology‑enhanced learning environment. A €10,000 STEM grant funded the purchase of 30 iPads, now used in the junior classes, while Chromebooks have been introduced across the rest of the school. Additional resources include a well‑stocked library, extensive IT provision, and a vibrant after‑school programme (Lyons Den) offering games, arts, crafts, sensory play and homework support. These elements combine to create a nurturing setting where pupils can thrive academically, socially and physically.
History
Rathbeggan National School has been an integral part of its community for approximately 60 years, developing a reputation for inclusive education and active engagement since its establishment in the early 1960s.
Applying to Rathbeggan 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 Rathbeggan 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 Rathbeggan National School
How many pupils attend Rathbeggan National School?
Rathbeggan National School has 219 pupils enrolled, 118 girls and 101 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Rathbeggan National School a DEIS school?
No. Rathbeggan 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 Rathbeggan National School?
Rathbeggan National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.