St Marys School
Tallaght, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 349 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 163 girls, 186 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18411U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Mary’s National School is a Catholic, co‑educational primary school situated in Tallaght, Dublin 24. It serves roughly 350 boys and girls aged four to twelve and is staffed by a team of about 40 professionals. The school prides itself on providing a happy, safe and nurturing environment where learning extends beyond the traditional classroom. A broad and balanced curriculum is delivered, with particular emphasis on developing creativity, imagination and critical thinking through a rich music and art programme that includes tin whistle, traditional band and choir, as well as after‑school art sessions. Physical education is equally valued, offering a variety of sports and a comprehensive PE curriculum that encourages children to reach their full potential in fitness and teamwork. The educational philosophy is rooted in the school’s mission to foster a caring community that recognises each child’s uniqueness. Pupils are encouraged to achieve academically, spiritually, physically and emotionally, with realistic goal‑setting and confidence‑building at its core. Teaching methods blend textbook learning with interactive activities, ensuring that maths, SESE and other subjects are taught in an engaging manner that supports each child’s individual progress.
History
St. Mary’s National School is the oldest school in Tallaght, originally founded in 1833. The first building, located beside St. Basil’s Training Centre on Greenhills Road, was a single‑storey structure measuring approximately 60 ft by 16 ft and housed separate classrooms for boys and girls. The present school building was constructed in 1960, with an additional wing added in 1976, reflecting the school’s growth and continued service to the community over many decades.
Applying to St Marys 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 Marys 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 Marys School
How many pupils attend St Marys School?
St Marys School has 349 pupils enrolled, 163 girls and 186 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Marys School a DEIS school?
No. St Marys 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 Marys School?
St Marys School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.