Rolestown National School
Kilsallaghan, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 357 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 177 girls, 180 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17820J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Rolestown National School is an inclusive, Catholic‑ethos primary school situated midway between Swords and Ashbourne in the rural parish of Rolestown, North County Dublin. The school provides a nurturing and positive learning environment where pupils are encouraged to develop their talents and skills through a broad curriculum complemented by a wide range of extra‑curricular activities. Strong partnership with parents, guardians and the wider community underpins the school’s aim to help every child reach their full potential. The modern, state‑of‑the‑art premises, officially opened in February 2010, sit beside the local church, cemetery and the Broadmeadow River, offering ample indoor and outdoor space for learning and play. Facilities support both academic and special educational needs, including dedicated autism classes that are currently full for the 2026/27 year, with a waiting list available. An online enrolment form streamlines admissions, and the school maintains regular communication through news updates, a calendar of events and an open‑day for prospective families.
History
Rolestown National School was officially opened on 1 February 2010 as a state‑of‑the‑art facility built on land owned by local benefactor Pat McDonagh, after whom the school is named. The school operates under the patronage of the Catholic Church and has grown to serve a roll of 357 pupils.
Applying to Rolestown 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 Rolestown 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 Rolestown National School
How many pupils attend Rolestown National School?
Rolestown National School has 357 pupils enrolled, 177 girls and 180 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Rolestown National School a DEIS school?
No. Rolestown 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 Rolestown National School?
Rolestown National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.