St. Finean's Primary School
Newcastle, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 626 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 314 girls, 312 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16461C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Finian’s National School is a mixed Irish primary school in the village of Newcastle Lyons, County Dublin, catering for children aged four to twelve. Established in 1825, the school serves a vibrant community of over five hundred pupils and embraces a holistic educational philosophy that prioritises the academic, social and emotional development of every child. The curriculum is delivered through an inclusive ethos that values equality, respect and partnership with parents, who are regarded as the primary educators of their children. A broad range of co‑curricular activities underpins the school’s commitment to a well‑rounded education. Music, visual arts and sport feature prominently in daily life, reflecting the traditional central role of culture in the school’s ethos. Facilities support these programmes, with dedicated spaces for creative and physical pursuits, and the school actively promotes safety and wellbeing, exemplified by its road‑safety video initiative. The school works closely with the local community, fostering a supportive environment that encourages pupils to become confident, proud individuals who can contribute positively to society.
History
St Finian’s National School opened on 18 April 1825 in Newcastle Lyons, a historic parish in County Dublin. Its foundation coincided with the construction of the village’s Catholic church (1813) and the development of local markets and fairs that had been granted since the early 17th century. Over the centuries the school has grown alongside the village, evolving from a modest rural institution to a modern primary school serving a large and diverse pupil body while retaining its commitment to the community’s cultural and educational heritage.
Applying to St. Finean's Primary 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. Finean's Primary 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. Finean's Primary School
How many pupils attend St. Finean's Primary School?
St. Finean's Primary School has 626 pupils enrolled, 314 girls and 312 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St. Finean's Primary School a DEIS school?
No. St. Finean's Primary School 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 St. Finean's Primary School?
St. Finean's Primary School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.