Scoil Náisiúnta Caitriona Naionain
Coolock, Dublin
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 178 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 103 girls, 75 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18362K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Chaitríona Infants is a co‑educational Catholic infant primary school that provides a welcoming, inclusive environment for children aged three to seven. The school follows a child‑centred curriculum that blends the national Early Childhood Curriculum Framework (Aistear) with structured play, literacy programmes such as Jolly Phonics and guided reading, and a strong emphasis on oral language development. Learning is delivered through thematic, playful activities that encourage imagination, problem‑solving and social interaction, ensuring pupils become confident, competent learners who enjoy school. The campus comprises twelve classrooms together with specialised facilities that support a range of learning needs: four learning‑support rooms, a sensory room, a sand‑and‑water room, and a spacious hall for assemblies and performances. Additional resources include a dedicated staff team, a vibrant Parents’ Association and an active Board of Management that oversees the school’s governance and finances. Free hot meals are provided through the Department of Social Protection and Dublin Corporation, reinforcing the school’s commitment to the wellbeing of all pupils.
History
Scoil Chaitríona was founded in 1960 under the care of The Mercy Order. In 1963 the sisters moved into Coolock House, which had been reconstructed as a convent. The Georgian house that now forms part of the convent was the childhood home of the Mercy Order’s foundress, Catherine McAuley, who lived there from 1809 to 1829. Although no sisters currently teach at the school, the Mercy ethos of providing education and fostering self‑reliance remains integral to its aims.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Caitriona Naionain
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 Náisiúnta Caitriona Naionain. 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 Náisiúnta Caitriona Naionain
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Caitriona Naionain?
Scoil Náisiúnta Caitriona Naionain has 178 pupils enrolled, 103 girls and 75 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Caitriona Naionain a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Caitriona Naionain 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 Scoil Náisiúnta Caitriona Naionain?
Scoil Náisiúnta Caitriona Naionain has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.