Scoil Naomh Padraig
Carndonagh, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 163 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 11 girls, 152 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18605K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Naomh Pádraig is a primary school situated on Church Road in the town of Carndonagh, Inishowen, County Donegal. Set within a close‑knit community on Ireland’s most northerly peninsula, the school provides a nurturing environment for its 146 pupils. The ethos centres on creating a safe, warm and caring atmosphere where children are encouraged to develop academically, spiritually, physically, socially and emotionally. A holistic approach underpins the curriculum, with particular attention given to personal wellbeing and inclusive education, including provision for an autism class. The school benefits from a historic campus that dates back to the early 1960s, offering spacious classrooms and dedicated spaces for play and extracurricular activities. Its modest size allows for personalised attention and strong relationships between staff and families. In addition to the core academic programme, the school promotes a range of enrichment opportunities that support the development of confidence, creativity and community spirit among its pupils.
History
The original school building on the current site was officially opened and blessed in 1962 by Monsignor Joe O’Doherty. Prior to this, the school operated from School Lane, Malin Road, having been established there in 1894. The move to the present location on Church Road marked a new chapter while retaining the long‑standing tradition of education in Carndonagh.
Applying to Scoil Naomh Padraig
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.
School-published admissions links
These links come from the school's published admissions material. Check the school year shown before relying on dates or place numbers.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Scoil Naomh Padraig. 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 Naomh Padraig
How many pupils attend Scoil Naomh Padraig?
Scoil Naomh Padraig has 163 pupils enrolled, 11 girls and 152 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Naomh Padraig a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Naomh Padraig 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 Naomh Padraig?
Scoil Naomh Padraig has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' primary school.