St Malachys Boys National School
Dundalk, Louth
Key facts
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 246 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18504E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Malachy’s Boys National School is a primary school for boys situated on Anne Street in Dundalk, County Louth. Rooted in the Dominican tradition, the school places a strong emphasis on developing both academic ability and personal character, encouraging respect, responsibility and a love of learning. The curriculum follows the national framework while integrating values such as community spirit and environmental stewardship, providing a supportive environment for pupils from 2nd to 6th class. The school benefits from a range of facilities that support a vibrant extra‑curricular programme. A modern hall equipped with a solar‑panel‑powered lighting system and a monitoring TV demonstrates the school’s commitment to sustainability. Outdoor spaces include a dedicated football yard and a play area with bouncy balls. A variety of clubs are offered, including chess, music (band and choir), and sport, alongside annual events such as Maths Week, Science Week and Green Schools initiatives. Leadership opportunities are fostered through a student council, and the school’s recent three‑room extension (opened June 2014) provides additional classroom space for its growing enrolment.
History
St Malachy’s Boys’ National School was founded by the Dominican Fathers in the 18th century. The first incarnation, the Chapel School, opened in 1827 within the Priory. In 1833 it became a recognised national school and moved to the Rosary Centre, then in 1900 relocated to the site of the current Infants School. The present boys’ school opened in 1953, and a three‑room extension was added in June 2014. The school continues to serve boys from 2nd to 6th class and retains its historic connection to the Dominican Order in Dundalk.
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 246 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Malachys Boys National School a DEIS school?
No. St Malachys Boys National 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 Malachys Boys National School?
St Malachys Boys National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' primary school.