St Malachys Boys National School
Raheny, Dublin
Key facts
- DEIS
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 130 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18968A the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St. Malachy’s Boys’ National School is an all‑boys, DEIS Band 1 primary school situated in the heart of Dublin 5. The school prides itself on spacious, well‑lit classrooms and class sizes that sit below the national average, ensuring each pupil receives ample individual attention. Facilities include a multipurpose hall, dedicated early‑start and autism units, and modern ICT resources such as iPads and interactive whiteboards, providing a safe and supportive environment for both mainstream and special‑needs learners. The educational approach combines the latest national curricula – the New Primary Language Curriculum and the New Maths Curriculum – with proven literacy programmes including First Steps, Bua na Cainte and Handwriting Without Tears. Aistear underpins the infant cycle, promoting learning through play, while a vibrant Student Council gives pupils a voice in school life. Strong parental involvement is encouraged through a range of extracurricular workshops and a proactive Parents Committee. The school also champions sustainability through its Green Schools initiatives and community partnerships, fostering a well‑rounded, inclusive education for every child.
History
St. Malachy’s BNS traces its origins to the early 1960s when the Edenmore estate was being developed. In 1963 the school opened as St Malachy’s Mixed School, initially holding lessons in the old Raheny church until the purpose‑built building was completed. By 1966 it became St Malachy’s Boys’ National School. Early years were marked by large class sizes, no uniforms, and strong community spirit despite limited resources. The first parish priest, Fr John Foley, and later Fr Jim Prendiville, supported the school’s growth. In 1979 the school established one of Ireland’s first special classes, followed by an Early Start preschool in the early 2000s and autism classes in 2011. The 1990s saw the formation of a Board of Management, giving parents and teachers a greater role in governance. Today the school is a modern, fully resourced primary school that continues to serve the Edenmore community.
Applying to St Malachys Boys 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 Malachys Boys 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 Malachys Boys National School
How many pupils attend St Malachys Boys National School?
St Malachys Boys National School has 130 pupils enrolled. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Malachys Boys National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Malachys Boys 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 Malachys Boys National School?
St Malachys Boys National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' primary school.