St Finnians National School Dillonstown
Dunleer, Louth
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 100 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 52 girls, 48 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17952D the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Finian’s National School is a small rural primary school situated in Dillonstown, Co. Louth, serving the fishing village of Annagassan and the surrounding Drumcar and Salterstown areas. With a roll of approximately 95 pupils, the school provides a close‑knit learning environment staffed by a team of teachers, special needs assistants and support personnel. The ethos centres on fostering each child’s full potential within an atmosphere of acceptance, security, respect and collaborative learning, encapsulated in the school motto “Respect, Learn, Grow Together”. The curriculum is enriched by a strong emphasis on cultural heritage and extracurricular activity. Recent initiatives include project‑based work in third and fourth class, hurling and camogie sessions for younger pupils, buddy‑reading schemes linking junior and senior classes, and the celebration of Seachtain na Gaeilge. The school also offers dedicated autism provision, with two specialised classes and a robust SEN team, ensuring inclusive education for all learners. Recent investment of €4,000 has upgraded playground facilities, and ongoing fundraising supports the acquisition of IT and sports equipment, further enhancing the learning environment.
History
Before the present school was built, local children attended the thatched Willistown School on Drumcar Road, which was expanded and re‑slated in 1857 and also served as a place of worship until Dillonstown church opened in 1862. In 1955 the new St. Finian’s National School opened, with pupils marching from the former school for an open‑air mass. Over the decades the school has been led by a succession of principals, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2005 with a visit from President Mary McAleese, and expanded its provision to include an autism class in 2019 and a second autism class (Rang A) in 2023. The school continues to evolve, adding specialist staff and modern facilities while maintaining its strong community roots.
Applying to St Finnians National School Dillonstown
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 Finnians National School Dillonstown. 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 Finnians National School Dillonstown
How many pupils attend St Finnians National School Dillonstown?
St Finnians National School Dillonstown has 100 pupils enrolled, 52 girls and 48 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Finnians National School Dillonstown a DEIS school?
No. St Finnians National School Dillonstown 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 Finnians National School Dillonstown?
St Finnians National School Dillonstown has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.