Scoil Dairbhre Mixed
Dundalk, Louth
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 71 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 39 girls, 32 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17315T the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Dairbhre (Darver National School) is a Catholic, vertically‑structured, co‑educational primary school situated in Readypenny, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Under the patronage of the Archbishop of Armagh, the school is dedicated to the holistic development of each pupil, nurturing intellectual, physical, cultural, moral and spiritual growth. A strong emphasis is placed on academic excellence while also fostering an appreciation of the fine arts, environmental responsibility, cultural diversity and social justice. The school provides a safe, supportive and encouraging environment where high standards of achievement and behaviour are expected. Through partnership with parents and the wider community, Scoil Dairbhre aims to equip children with the skills and confidence needed to meet future educational challenges and to thrive in an evolving society. Safeguarding is a core priority, with robust policies ensuring the welfare of all children and young people.
History
Darver lies in the Barony of Louth, its name deriving from the Irish “dair” (oak) and meaning “oak plantation”. Adjacent to the school is Darver Castle, a 12th‑century structure originally owned by the Norman Patrick Babe and later by families such as the Tisdalls, Ballsmills, Booths, McCormicks and the present owners, Aidan and Mary Carville. The nearby Fr Callan Garden commemorates Dr Nicholas Callan (1799‑1864), a native of Darver who was a priest, writer, scientist and inventor of the induction coil.
Applying to Scoil Dairbhre Mixed
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 Scoil Dairbhre Mixed. 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 Scoil Dairbhre Mixed
How many pupils attend Scoil Dairbhre Mixed?
Scoil Dairbhre Mixed has 71 pupils enrolled, 39 girls and 32 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Dairbhre Mixed a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Dairbhre Mixed 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 Scoil Dairbhre Mixed?
Scoil Dairbhre Mixed has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.