St. Eunan's National School
Raphoe, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 158 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 75 girls, 83 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17828C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Eunan’s National School provides a caring, well‑ordered environment where the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural needs of pupils are actively addressed. The school follows a Catholic ethos while recognising and respecting other faiths, and it promotes gender equity, Gaelic language use and strong parental partnership. A broad curriculum supports achievement in academic studies, sport, music, quizzes and the arts, and the school places particular emphasis on developing self‑esteem, responsibility and respect for people and property. Recent funding has enabled an extension to the school premises, enhancing classroom capacity and facilities for both mainstream and special‑education needs. The school community benefits from ongoing staff development programmes, a vibrant Parents Association and a commitment to inclusive, all‑round education that prepares children for lifelong learning.
History
The first Catholic primary school in Raphoe opened in 1868 in a thatched, single‑room building with stables beneath. Initially a boys’ school of 27 pupils, enrolments grew steadily throughout the 19th century despite early challenges with the building’s condition. Successive principals oversaw the construction of a new two‑room school near the main road, and the institution expanded from a three‑teacher school in 1931 to an eight‑teacher school by 1993, serving over 200 pupils. Leadership transitions continued into the 21st century, with the current principal appointed in September 2019.
Applying to St. Eunan's 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. Eunan's 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. Eunan's National School
How many pupils attend St. Eunan's National School?
St. Eunan's National School has 158 pupils enrolled, 75 girls and 83 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St. Eunan's National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St. Eunan's 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. Eunan's National School?
St. Eunan's National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.