Tallonstown National School
Dundalk, Louth
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 276 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 127 girls, 149 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 02745N the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Tallanstown National School is a vibrant primary school situated in the village of Tallanstown, County Louth, approximately five miles from Ardee. Established in 1959, the school currently educates around 276 pupils and is supported by a dedicated team of 22 staff members, including teachers, learning‑support specialists and ancillary personnel. The campus combines the original 1966 building with modern extensions, providing spacious classrooms, specialist learning areas and outdoor play spaces that cater to a wide range of activities. The school’s ethos centres on fostering self‑esteem, respect and personal responsibility in every child. Its vision emphasises preparation for life in a modern, multicultural society by actively promoting equality and celebrating the diversity of the school community. A strong partnership with parents is encouraged through an active Parents Association, and the school follows a comprehensive admission policy that complies with the Education Act 1998, the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 and the Equal Status Act 2000.
History
The original Tallanstown school was built in 1840 and served the community until its closure in 1966, after which the building became a community centre. The present school building was constructed in 1966 and has since been extensively extended and modernised. In 1969 the outlying parish schools of Aclint and Stormanstown were amalgamated with Tallanstown National School, expanding the pupil roll to its current size. The school is named in honour of Vere Foster, a 19th‑century philanthropist and education advocate whose legacy includes the development of thousands of national schools across Ireland.
Applying to Tallonstown 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
View Tallonstown National School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Tallonstown National School. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Tallonstown National School
How many pupils attend Tallonstown National School?
Tallonstown National School has 276 pupils enrolled, 127 girls and 149 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Tallonstown National School a DEIS school?
No. Tallonstown 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 Tallonstown National School?
Tallonstown National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.