St Columbanus National School
Dun Laoghaire, Dublin
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 113 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 51 girls, 62 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20218P the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St Columbanus National School is a vibrant primary school that embraces a holistic approach to education, aiming to nurture both the academic and personal development of every pupil. The school’s ethos stresses a safe, appropriate and happy learning environment, underpinned by Christian values and a teamwork‑based approach to behaviour. Children are welcomed regardless of background, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, wellbeing and the cultivation of positive relationships between pupils, parents and staff. The curriculum is delivered in a supportive setting that encourages curiosity and a love of learning across subjects such as science, reading and maths, often enriched by community partnerships. Local businesses and charitable organisations, including St Vincent de Paul, Peter McVerry Trust, Trocaire and the Laura Lynn Foundation, contribute visiting “buddies” and fundraising activities, extending learning beyond the classroom. The school is well‑connected by public transport, with several Dublin Bus routes, a nearby Luas stop at Cherrywood and the Killiney DART station, and operates from 08:55 to 14:35. Facilities support a happy environment, with dedicated spaces for play, creative arts and outdoor activities. Regular open days invite prospective families to experience the school’s warm atmosphere, while the school’s active community links, such as participation in the Peace Proms cross‑border concert, showcase its commitment to cultural exchange and social responsibility.
Applying to St Columbanus 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 St Columbanus 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 St Columbanus National School
How many pupils attend St Columbanus National School?
St Columbanus National School has 113 pupils enrolled, 51 girls and 62 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Columbanus National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Columbanus National School 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 St Columbanus National School?
St Columbanus National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.