St Malachy's Infant School
School Details
Location
About
St. Malachy’s Infant School is a Catholic‑faith‑based primary institution situated on Anne Street in Dundalk, catering for Junior Infants, Senior Infants and First Class. The school prides itself on providing a happy, friendly and welcoming environment where children take their first steps into formal education. Learning is presented as a vibrant, creative and stimulating experience, with an emphasis on making lessons enjoyable and engaging while following the new Irish curriculum. The school’s ethos focuses on the development of the whole child, combining academic progress with the promotion of positive behaviour, wellbeing and strong moral values. A strong partnership with parents is encouraged, recognising the importance of family involvement in all aspects of school life. St. Malachy’s forms part of a wider community of St. Malachy’s Girls’ and Boys’ schools, allowing a seamless transition for pupils after completing First Class. Facilities include resources for practical learning, a virtual tour for prospective families, and regular extracurricular activities such as museum visits and seasonal concerts that enrich the children’s educational experience.
History
St. Malachy’s Infant School was founded in 1898 by the Dominican Fathers and is often referred to as “The Friary”. It was one of the first schools established in Dundalk and has a long‑standing reputation for excellence. Generations of families have attended, with many current pupils having parents or grandparents who were former students. While traditionally rooted, the school embraces contemporary educational trends and the latest curriculum, maintaining a Catholic ethos and a discipline system that rewards positive behaviour. It operates alongside St. Malachy’s Girls’ and Boys’ schools, with each having its own principal but sharing close communication and interaction.