St Louise De Marillac Primary School
Ballyfermot, Dublin
Key facts
- DEIS
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 256 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20397S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Louise de Marillac Primary School is a Catholic‑ethos primary school situated on Drumfinn Road in Ballyfermot, Dublin. It provides a holistic, values‑based education for girls from Junior Infants to Sixth Class and for infant boys up to First Class, complemented by an Early‑Start preschool that welcomes 30 children each day. The school places a strong emphasis on religious education in line with Roman Catholic teachings while actively respecting the cultural and religious diversity of its community, ensuring that inclusivity permeates all aspects of school life. The learning environment is designed to foster partnership between home, school and the wider community, encouraging pupils to take pride in both their school and the neighbourhood. A range of policies supports student wellbeing, safety and health, and the curriculum is delivered with a focus on developing confidence, conflict‑resolution skills and a love of learning. Modern facilities accommodate both academic and extracurricular activities, creating a supportive centre for the children of Ballyfermot.
History
The Daughters of Charity opened their first presence in Ballyfermot on 8 October 1957, establishing a dual‑day school for 100 boys in a play‑centre hall on Kylemore Road. On 1 July 1960 a purpose‑built six‑room building opened on Drumfinn Road, continuing the dual‑day system with 12 classes of 50 pupils each. Girls were admitted to the senior school on 1 July 1961, and the Sisters moved into a convent beside the school the following month. In 2002 the junior school appointed its first lay principal, and in 2011 the junior and senior schools amalgamated under lay leadership. Alma Quinn is the current principal, continuing the tradition established by the Daughters of Charity over six decades ago.
Applying to St Louise De Marillac 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 Louise De Marillac 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 Louise De Marillac Primary School
How many pupils attend St Louise De Marillac Primary School?
St Louise De Marillac Primary School has 256 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Louise De Marillac Primary School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Louise De Marillac Primary 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 Louise De Marillac Primary School?
St Louise De Marillac Primary School has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' primary school.