St Matthew's National School
School Details
Location
About
St Matthew’s National School is a small, vibrant co‑educational primary school serving children from Junior Infants to Sixth Class across eight single‑stream classes. Although under the patronage of the Church of Ireland, the school welcomes pupils of all faiths and none, fostering an inclusive, child‑centred environment where wellbeing is placed at the heart of everyday life. The ethos is built around the values of kindness, curiosity and bravery, encouraging pupils to develop academically, socially and emotionally while promoting respect, confidence and a love of learning across the curriculum. The school’s facilities have evolved with the community, offering a modern classroom block with extensions added in 1985, 2001, 2010‑11 and 2013, alongside a multipurpose hall, resource rooms, kitchen and staff areas. Recent enhancements include a covered sensory garden and a dedicated “Den” space for children needing a calm environment, as well as an expanded outdoor play area. A broad programme of extra‑curricular activities, digital learning opportunities and a strong focus on holistic development support pupils to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
History
The origins of St Matthew’s National School date back to 1824 when Reverend Hugh McNeile urged his congregation to fund a schoolhouse for the poor of Irishtown. After a plot was granted by the Earl of Pembroke, the school opened in 1832 following the establishment of the Irish National School System. Initially a boys’ school, a separate girls’ school opened opposite it in 1904 and still stands today. In 1951 the two schools merged, moving into a new building on the former tennis grounds, which opened in 1959 with expanded staff and facilities. The introduction of free secondary education in 1967 led to the 1969 amalgamation with nearby St Stephen’s School. Subsequent extensions were added in 1985, 2001, 2010‑11 and 2013, the latter bringing new classrooms, office space, a boiler house and an upgraded entrance. Recent developments include a covered sensory garden, an extended outdoor play area and a dedicated calm‑down “Den”, all reflecting the school’s enduring commitment to a nurturing, community‑focused ethos.