St Louis Secondary School
Dundalk, Louth
Key facts
- DEIS
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 524 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 63910U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Louis Secondary School in Dundalk is a co‑educational secondary school celebrating 75 years of educational excellence. The school delivers a holistic curriculum that balances academic rigour with character development, encouraging a love of lifelong learning. Its educational philosophy aims to nurture the intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical growth of each pupil, preparing them not only for examinations but for responsible citizenship and personal fulfilment. The campus blends historic and modern facilities. The original castle building houses many classrooms, providing a distinctive learning environment, while the adjoining convent building remains a central hub for the school community. A wide range of extracurricular programmes, from sports and arts to career‑focused guidance initiatives, enriches student life and supports diverse talents. The school’s inclusive ethos, strong pastoral care and close partnership with parents create a supportive community where every student can thrive.
History
St. Louis Secondary School was founded in 1950 by the Sisters of St Louis, bringing their educational philosophy to Dundalk. Over more than seven decades the school has grown from modest beginnings to become a respected regional institution, retaining its founding principles while continually adapting to modern educational needs. The historic castle and convent buildings remain central to the school’s heritage and daily life.
Applying to St Louis Secondary 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 post-primary school dates apply broadly to St Louis Secondary 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: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 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 Louis Secondary School
How many pupils attend St Louis Secondary School?
St Louis Secondary School has 524 pupils enrolled. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is St Louis Secondary School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Louis Secondary 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 Louis Secondary School?
St Louis Secondary School has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' post-primary school.