St Malachys National School
FINGLAS, Dublin
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 131 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 62 girls, 69 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19619D the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Malachy’s National School is a co‑educational primary school situated in Finglas South, Dublin, catering for over 140 pupils across seven mainstream classes and a dedicated special‑education provision. The school places a strong emphasis on inclusive learning, offering an autism‑specific class and three specialist teachers who support pupils with additional needs. A shared Home‑School Liaison Officer further strengthens the partnership between families and the school community. The curriculum is enriched with a robust STEAM programme, encouraging hands‑on investigation in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Pupils regularly engage in practical experiments such as exploring heat conductors and creating static electricity, while creative projects like 3‑D playground designs foster imaginative problem‑solving. Extracurricular activities include athletics, rowing and participation in the Amber Flag initiative, reflecting a commitment to health, wellbeing and environmental sustainability. Recent achievements, such as a second‑place finish in the Dublin City Neighbourhood Awards, highlight the school’s active role in community stewardship and green practice. Facilities include well‑equipped classrooms, specialised spaces for special‑education and autism support, and access to outdoor areas for sports and environmental projects. The school’s organisational structure comprises a principal, a team of class teachers, special‑education staff and a liaison officer, all working together to provide a nurturing, forward‑looking learning environment.
History
St Malachy’s opened on 3 July 1978 with 201 children and six teachers, becoming the third primary school in Finglas South after St Finian’s (January 1975) and St Oliver Plunkett’s Junior School (June 1976). Enrollment peaked at nearly 600 pupils and 19 teachers from 1981 onward, before gradually declining from 1986 to the present day. Today the school serves over 140 children, staffed by a principal, seven class teachers, three special‑education teachers and a shared Home‑School Liaison Officer. Historically, St Oliver Plunkett’s Junior School supplied the majority (approximately 95 %) of St Malachy’s pupils beginning in 1979.
Applying to St Malachys 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 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 National School
How many pupils attend St Malachys National School?
St Malachys National School has 131 pupils enrolled, 62 girls and 69 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Malachys National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Malachys 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 National School?
St Malachys National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.