Carysfort National School
School Details
Location
About
Carysfort National School is a well‑established co‑educational primary school situated in the heart of Blackrock, Co. Dublin, serving around 600 pupils. The school embraces a Catholic ethos while welcoming children of all faiths and none, fostering an inclusive community where every child’s academic, social, emotional and creative development is supported. A broad, balanced curriculum is enriched with a wide range of creative, sporting and cultural activities, encouraging pupils to explore interests, develop new skills and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. The school benefits from modern facilities that have grown from the original 19th‑century red‑brick building. Additions such as Loreto House (five extra classrooms added in 1998) and the expanded Áras Mhuire wing (further five classrooms in 2018) provide contemporary learning spaces. Strong partnerships with parents, the Board of Management and the Parents’ Association underpin a safe, child‑centred environment that is both forward‑looking and responsive to the needs of its community.
History
The Sisters of Mercy purchased Carysfort House and its grounds in 1891 and opened a new red‑brick school on the estate in November 1895, originally named Blackrock Convent School. The name later changed to Carysfort National School. Early leadership was provided by religious sisters, with the first lay principal appointed in 1986. The site hosted the National School teachers’ training college from 1903 until its closure in 1988, and also accommodated the Irish‑language secondary school Coláiste Iosagáin (1971‑1975). Over the years the school has expanded its classroom capacity, notably with Loreto House (1998) and an Áras Mhuire extension (2018). Carysfort celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2020 and counts among its alumni former Minister of Education Niamh Bhreathnach, MEP Barry Andrews, rugby player Garry Ringrose and broadcaster Ryan Tubridy.