Scoil Lorcain
Palmerstown, Dublin
Key facts
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 321 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18323A the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Lorcáin is a co‑educational, all‑Irish Catholic primary school situated in Eaton Square on the boundary between Monkstown and Blackrock, South County Dublin. The school provides a full‑time Irish‑medium curriculum for children aged 4‑12, with a strong emphasis on developing fluency in the Irish language and an appreciation of Gaelic culture. Its educational philosophy follows a holistic model, seeking to nurture intellectual, emotional, physical, spiritual, aesthetic and social growth so that pupils become confident citizens of Ireland and the wider world. The school’s facilities support a broad range of extra‑curricular activities. Dedicated spaces enable music, art and drama programmes, while specialist teachers deliver yoga, traditional Irish games and Gaelic sports such as hurling and football for pupils from senior classes. A team of special‑education teachers, support assistants and a full administrative staff ensure that the learning environment is inclusive, safe and well‑maintained. The close proximity to the sea and the DART makes the school accessible to families from the local Blackrock‑Monkstown area as well as the wider Dún Laoghaire region. Parental involvement is a cornerstone of school life. The active Parents’ Association organises events such as the annual Christmas Fair, Irish language classes, sports days and various social gatherings, fostering a strong community spirit that complements the school’s academic programme.
History
Scoil Lorcáin was founded in 1952 by a group of parents with the aim of providing Irish‑medium education and promoting Gaelic culture. It was reputedly the first school in Ireland established by parents rather than a religious order. Since its inception the school has grown to accommodate over four hundred pupils, maintaining its original mission of delivering a full‑time Irish Catholic education while expanding its facilities, staff and community programmes.
Applying to Scoil Lorcain
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 Lorcain. 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 Lorcain
How many pupils attend Scoil Lorcain?
Scoil Lorcain has 321 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Lorcain a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Lorcain 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 Lorcain?
Scoil Lorcain has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' primary school.