St. Vincent's Primary School
Glasnevin, Dublin
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 240 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 72 girls, 168 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17214N the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Vincent’s Primary School is a Catholic, co‑educational primary school operating under the patronage of the Archbishop of Dublin and the trusteeship of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust. The school provides a nurturing environment that blends faith‑based values with a modern curriculum, aiming to develop confident, caring learners who are prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. Emphasis is placed on inclusive education, with dedicated provision for five special‑needs classes and a commitment to supporting all pupils in reaching their full potential. The learning environment is well‑equipped with interactive whiteboards in every classroom and a class set of tablets, facilitating interactive and technology‑enhanced teaching. Extensive outdoor and indoor facilities include a large playing field, a spacious P.E. hall, a soft‑play area, and a designated movement‑break zone, encouraging physical activity and holistic development. Additional programmes such as the “Bí Cineálta” initiative further enrich the school’s offering, promoting cultural and linguistic growth.
History
Founded in 1856 by the Society of St Vincent De Paul, the institution began as an orphanage for boys at Mountbrown, near Kilmainham. Within a year it relocated to a larger site at the junction of Finglas Road and Botanic Road, providing accommodation for 150 boys and a farm that supplied milk and vegetables. The Christian Brothers managed the orphanage and school from 1860 until its closure in 1973. In January 1927 the first day‑boys were admitted, prompting the opening of St Vincent’s C.B.S. Primary School in 1939 to alleviate accommodation pressures. A new secondary school opened in 1964, a swimming pool was added in 1968, and a hall in 1976; the pool was closed in December 2009 due to funding constraints.
Applying to St. Vincent's 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. Vincent's 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. Vincent's Primary School
How many pupils attend St. Vincent's Primary School?
St. Vincent's Primary School has 240 pupils enrolled, 72 girls and 168 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St. Vincent's Primary School a DEIS school?
Yes. St. Vincent's 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. Vincent's Primary School?
St. Vincent's Primary School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.