Harold Boys National School
School Details
Location
About
Harold Boys National School is a Catholic primary school situated in the heart of Dalkey, serving boys from second to sixth class. The school places a strong emphasis on fostering a supportive, faith‑based learning environment that encourages academic achievement, personal development and community involvement. A broad curriculum is complemented by a range of extracurricular activities, including science open evenings, environmental projects and cultural outings such as the annual Dalkey Castle tour, which help to develop curiosity and confidence in pupils. The campus has been modernised through a series of extensions and refurbishments. Original 1901 structures now sit alongside a modern classroom block linked by a new corridor, providing five well‑equipped classrooms, purpose‑built toilets and a dedicated computer room. Recent upgrades (2007‑2012) introduced new roofs, insulation, heating and improved facilities, ensuring a comfortable and safe learning environment. Strong links with the local parish and the wider Dalkey community further enrich the school experience, offering pupils a sense of belonging and continuity.
History
Harold Boys’ National School is named in memory of the 19th‑century priests John and George Harold. It opened on 7 January 1901 as a two‑room school with outdoor toilets and a fuel shed. A red‑brick third room was added later, and two additional rooms were built on the north side in the 1960s, forming the core of the present building. The school celebrated its centenary in 2001 and was refurbished in 2007 (new roofs, windows, insulation and heating). In 2012 a corridor linked the historic block to a modern classroom with toilets, and a further extension increased the total to five classrooms, with the former back classroom converted into a computer room.