Photo: Rossographer · CC BY-SA 2.0Dolphins Barn has 6 fee-paying secondary schools in and around it
DEIS, the extra support for schools serving disadvantaged areas, reaches 56% of the schools around Dolphins Barn, above both Co. Dublin’s towns (40%) and Irish towns (35%). 75 of its 135 schools are in DEIS, the extra support for schools in disadvantaged areas, against 30% across Ireland. With no school results published in Ireland, and the Education Act 1998 restricting comparisons of them, these schools are described, not graded or ranked.
Counted from the Department of Education’s 2025/26 lists: every school in the town or within 3 km of it, against every school in Ireland.
What stands out about Dolphins Barn’s schools
Fee-paying secondary schools
Several of the secondary schools within reach charge fees; the others are free. Fee-paying schools are listed with the rest below, each with its own page. Fee-paying: Belvedere College S.J (1,011), Loreto College (588), Catholic University School (544) and St. Mary's College C.S.Sp., Rathmines (500), and 2 more. Every school ↓
Extra support for many schools
Many schools here are in DEIS, which gives schools in disadvantaged areas more teachers, money and help; across Ireland, 30% of schools are. In DEIS: St Christopher's NS (598), Meanscoil Iognáid Rís (521), Kylemore College (479) and Assumption Junior School (434), and 71 more. Who runs them ↓
A wide choice at twelve
134 post-primary schools lie within 10 km, so families here have a real choice at twelve; each admits on its own policy. The nearest: C.B.S. James Street (0.4 km), Loreto College (1.2 km) and Presentation College (1.3 km). Post-primary choices ↓
Drawn from the Department of Education’s lists; none of it judges how well a school teaches.
The 135 schools in and around Dolphins Barn
Every school in Dolphins Barn or within 3 km of its outline, each linked to its own page. Ireland publishes no school-by-school results, which is why these cards have no letters.
Show all 32 secondary schools
Show all 88 primary schools
Who runs Dolphins Barn’s schools
Ethos as listed for 2025/26: each bar splits the schools by who runs them.
105 of Dolphins Barn’s 135 schools have a Catholic ethos, against 80% across Ireland. The patrons with most schools here: Archbishop of Dublin (75), Edmund Rice Schools Trust (9) and Educate Together (7). 75 of the 135 are in DEIS, the extra support for schools in disadvantaged areas (30% across Ireland).
Department of Education school lists: ethos 2025/26, patron 2024/25 (the 2025/26 lists don’t give it). DEIS list 2025/26.
Where the 135 schools in and around Dolphins Barn are
Each school where the official list places it, shaded by who runs it and sized by pupils; squares are secondary schools, triangles special schools. The dashed shape is Dolphins Barn’s outline; schools within 3 km of it count.
Places from the Department of Education’s school lists (its own coordinates for all but a handful); map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Teaching through Irish in and around Dolphins Barn
The schools by teaching language, with Ireland’s share as the black tick.
9 of Dolphins Barn’s 135 schools teach every subject through Irish: Gaelscoil Inse Chor, Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire and Scoil Chaoimhin.
Who Dolphins Barn’s schools serve
The pupils at the area’s schools by share, beside Co. Dublin’s and Ireland’s, 2025/26
Each bar is the area’s share; the tick marks Ireland’s.
DEIS by stage: pupils at DEIS schools
| Share of pupils | Around Dolphins Barn | Co. Dublin | Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils at DEIS schools | 53% | 28% | 27% |
| Pupils at all-Irish schools | 5% | 6% | 6% |
| Girls | 47% | 49% | 49% |
| Post-primary pupils at single-sex schools | 54% | 38% | 29% |
| Post-primary pupils at fee-paying schools | 26% | 18% | 6% |
DEIS schools teach 53% of the pupils around Dolphins Barn, a larger share than Ireland’s 27% (Co. Dublin: 28%). Set beside Ireland, post-primary pupils at single-sex schools stand out most: 54% against 29%. The largest DEIS school here is St Christopher's NS, with 598 pupils.
Each of the 135 schools
Department of Education school lists 2025/26 (preliminary): enrolments by sex and the DEIS list. Shares are of pupils, not of schools; a county’s are the schools listed with its towns.
The 26 patrons of Dolphins Barn’s schools
The patron owns the school and sets its ethos; a board of management runs it day to day.
The schools around Dolphins Barn answer to 26 patrons, and Archbishop of Dublin leads with 75 of the 135 schools and 45% of their pupils. The local Education and Training Board runs 7. Educate Together runs 7.
| Patron | Ethos | Schools | Pupils |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archbishop of DublinSt Christopher's NS, St. Louis, Assumption Junior School, St Peters, Harolds Cross, Stanhope Street Primary School, St Raphaels, St Columbas Con G & I, Presentation Primary School, St Josephs Boys, S.N. Brighde, Scoil Úna Naofa, Mary, Help of Christians G., Drimnagh Castle CBS, S.N. Muire Gan Smal B, St Michaels, Gardiner Street Convent, S.N. Eoin Bosco Buach, St. James's Primary School, St. Vincent's Primary School, St Damiens, S N Muire na Freastogala Girls Senior School, St Brigids Primary School, Gaelscoil Mologa, Presentation Primary School, Scoil Mhuire Ogh 1, St Gabriels, Marist, Gaelscoil Inse Chor, S.N. San Vinseann Cailin, St Patricks, Inchicore, Muire Og 2 Loreto Con, Goldenbridge Convent, Scoil Treasa Naofa, St Audoens, St Gabriels, Presentation Primary School, St Clares Convent, Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire, St Laurence O'Toole's, Scoil na mBrathar, Scoil Ui Chonaill Boys Seniors, Rutland, City Quay, Dominican Convent Girls Senior School, S.N. Eoin Bosco Nai Buac, Scoil Eoin, St Catherines Infant School, Our Lady of Good Counsel Girls Senior School, Holy Family School for the Deaf, Scoil Caitriona na mBraithre, Fionnbarra Naofa B., Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Scoil na Mbrathar Boys Senior School, Lady of Good Counsel Boys Senior, Our Lady of Wayside, Sancta Maria C B S, Catherine Mc Auley N Sc, An Taonad Reamhscoile, St Vincents Inf Boys, St John of God Sp Sch, Christ the King B, Scoil Iosagain Boys Senior, Christ the King Girls Senior School, St Peters Special Sch, Naomh Lorcan O Tuathail Senior Boys, St Vincents Home NS, Hospital School CHI at Temple Street, Our Lady of Hope School, Christ the King I G, Casa Caterina S S, S.N. Naomh Cillin, Henrietta Street School, St L O Tooles 2 Spec | Catholic | 75 | 14,960 |
| Edmund Rice Schools TrustSt Declan's College, Meanscoil Iognáid Rís, St Vincents C.B.S. Glasnevin, Coláiste Mhuire, Christian Brothers, Synge St., C.B.S. James Street, St Pauls C.B.S., O'Connell School, C.B.S. Westland Row | Catholic | 9 | 3,030 |
| Educate TogetherDublin 7 Educate Together NS, Harolds Cross Educate Together, Canal Way Educate Together, Broombridge Educate Together, Harcourt Terrace Educate Together, Paradise Place ETNS, Dublin 6 Clonskeagh and Dublin 6W Primary School | Multi-denominational | 7 | 2,438 |
| City of Dublin ETBKylemore College, Presentation, Larkin, Clogher Road, Cabra, Solas Hospital School, An Cosan CSS | Multi-denominational, Catholic, Inter-denominational | 7 | 2,040 |
| Religious Sisters of CharityMount Carmel, St Josephs, Assumption, Rosary College | Catholic | 4 | 1,189 |
| Archbishop of Dublin & Bishop of Glendalough COISt Catherines West, Zion Parish Primary School, St Columbas N.S. Mxd, Chapelizod | Church of Ireland | 4 | 404 |
| CEISTMercy, Our Lady Of Mercy, Presentation College | Catholic | 3 | 900 |
| An Foras PátrúnachtaGaelscoil Bharra, Gaelscoil Lios na nOg, Gaelscoil Eoin | Catholic, Multi-denominational | 3 | 464 |
| Minister for Education & SkillsCentral Senior Mxd, Central Infs School, Scoil Chaoimhin | Catholic | 3 | 444 |
| Le Chéile Schools TrustSt Dominics College, St Louis High School | Catholic | 2 | 1,480 |
| Loreto Education TrustLoreto College, Loreto College | Catholic | 2 | 908 |
| Dublin Talmud TorahStratford College, Scoil Naisiunta Stratford | Jewish | 2 | 277 |
| Society of Jesus (Jesuits)Belvedere College S.J | Catholic | 1 | 1,011 |
| Marist Education AuthorityCatholic University School | Catholic | 1 | 544 |
| The Spiritan Education TrustSt. Mary's College C.S.Sp., Rathmines | Catholic | 1 | 500 |
| Board of Governors of Sandford Park SchoolSandford Park School Ltd | Inter-denominational | 1 | 437 |
| Griffith Barracks Multi-denominational School Company Limited by GuaranteeGriffith Barracks Multi D School | Multi-denominational | 1 | 403 |
| Islamic Foundation of IrelandNorth Dublin Muslim | Muslim | 1 | 391 |
| Board of Governors of St Patrick's Cathedral Grammar SchoolSt Patricks Cathedral Grammar School | Church of Ireland | 1 | 302 |
| The Ranelagh Multidenominational AssociationRanelagh Multi Denom | Multi-denominational | 1 | 221 |
| Board of Governors of the Church of Ireland College of EducationKildare Place | Church of Ireland | 1 | 189 |
| City of Dublin Education and Training BoardSouth City CNS | Multi-denominational | 1 | 148 |
| Minister of Abbey Presbyterian ChurchLindsay Road | Presbyterian | 1 | 95 |
| Conference of Methodist Church in IrelandRathgar | Methodist | 1 | 94 |
| Dean of St Patrick's CatheralSt Patricks | Church of Ireland | 1 | 24 |
| Health Service ExecutivePhoenix Park Specialist School | Catholic | 1 | 17 |
Department of Education school lists: patron 2024/25, ethos 2025/26.
How children get a place in Dolphins Barn
Starting primary school
Children can start primary school once they are four, and must be in school by six. Families apply to each school directly. Every school publishes an admission policy and a yearly admission notice; a school with more applicants than places admits on the criteria in its policy. Since the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, a Catholic or other majority-faith primary school can’t put baptised children first; a school of a minority faith still can, to keep its ethos.
Moving to secondary school
Children move to post-primary school at about twelve, after sixth class. Again, families apply to each school, usually a year or more ahead, and an oversubscribed school admits on its published criteria, often brothers and sisters and its feeder primary schools. The 6 fee-paying schools here set their own fees and admissions.
Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018; each school’s admission policy and notice are on its own website.
Which schools are growing
Since 2019/20, 37 of these 116 schools have grown by 5% or more and 49 have shrunk as much; across Ireland the number of pupils changed by +5%.
All 116 schools
Department of Education enrolments at 30 September, 2019/20 and 2025/26 (preliminary). No capacity is published, so how full a school is can’t be shown.
Inspection reports for Dolphins Barn’s schools
The Department of Education’s Inspectorate: every school’s reports linked, none rated
The Inspectorate inspects schools in several ways: a whole-school evaluation covers teaching, learning and how the school is led; a subject inspection looks at one subject; a follow-through checks on earlier advice. Reports go on gov.ie with the school’s reply.
Reports say what inspectors found and what should improve, without an overall grade, so none appears here; each of the 135 schools below links its own.
Department of Education Inspectorate reports on gov.ie, found by each school’s roll number.
Post-primary schools within reach of Dolphins Barn
All post-primaries within 10 km; at about twelve, families choose and apply school by school
134 post-primary schools are within 10 km of Dolphins Barn: 93 voluntary secondary schools, 26 ETB schools, 12 community schools and 3 comprehensive schools. 57 teach girls and boys apart: 31 girls’ and 26 boys’ schools. Fees are charged at 26 of them. Every subject is taught through Irish at 8 of them.
| School | Takes | Also | Pupils | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C.B.S. James StreetVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | DEIS | 251 | 0.4 km |
| Loreto CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | DEIS | 320 | 1.2 km |
| Presentation CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | DEIS | 262 | 1.3 km |
| Clogher Road Community CollegeETB · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 297 | 1.4 km |
| St Patricks Cathedral Grammar SchoolVoluntary secondary · Church of Ireland | Girls and boys | – | 302 | 1.6 km |
| St Josephs Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | DEIS | 283 | 1.7 km |
| St Pauls C.B.S.Voluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | DEIS | 244 | 1.8 km |
| Mercy Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | DEIS | 349 | 1.8 km |
| Our Lady Of Mercy Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | DEIS | 289 | 1.9 km |
| Christian Brothers, Synge St.Voluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | DEIS | 256 | 1.9 km |
| Harolds Cross Educate Together Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | – | 437 | 2.2 km |
| Mount Carmel Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | DEIS | 386 | 2.2 km |
All 134 post-primary schools within reach
| School | Takes | Also | Pupils | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Mary's College C.S.Sp., RathminesVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | Fee-paying | 500 | 2.4 km |
| Rosary CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | DEIS | 250 | 2.5 km |
| Loreto CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | Fee-paying | 588 | 2.6 km |
| St Louis High SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | – | 690 | 2.7 km |
| Catholic University SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | Fee-paying | 544 | 2.7 km |
| Belvedere College S.JVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | Fee-paying | 1,011 | 2.8 km |
| Larkin Community CollegeETB · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 403 | 2.8 km |
| Coláiste MhuireVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | Gaelcholáiste, DEIS | 272 | 2.9 km |
| St Declan's CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | – | 651 | 3 km |
| C.B.S. Westland RowVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | DEIS | 205 | 3.1 km |
| Meanscoil Iognáid RísVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | DEIS | 521 | 3.1 km |
| Assumption Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | DEIS | 270 | 3.1 km |
| Cabra Community CollegeETB · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 264 | 3.2 km |
| Presentation Community CollegeETB · Catholic | Girls and boys | – | 443 | 3.3 km |
| St Vincents C.B.S. GlasnevinVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | DEIS | 408 | 3.4 km |
| St Dominics CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | – | 790 | 3.6 km |
| O'Connell SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | DEIS | 222 | 3.6 km |
| Sandford Park School LtdVoluntary secondary · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | Fee-paying | 437 | 3.6 km |
| Stratford CollegeVoluntary secondary · Jewish | Girls and boys | Fee-paying | 189 | 3.7 km |
| Kylemore CollegeETB · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 479 | 3.8 km |
| St Conleths CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | Fee-paying | 339 | 3.9 km |
| St. Seton's Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Other | Girls and boys | DEIS | 741 | 4 km |
| Terenure CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | Fee-paying | 800 | 4 km |
| Gonzaga CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | Fee-paying | 576 | 4 km |
| Muckross Park CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | – | 709 | 4.1 km |
| The High SchoolVoluntary secondary · Church of Ireland | Girls and boys | Fee-paying | 811 | 4.1 km |
| Templeogue CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | – | 637 | 4.1 km |
| St Mary's Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | DEIS | 830 | 4.3 km |
| St Pauls Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | DEIS | 466 | 4.3 km |
| Scoil ChaitrionaVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | Gaelcholáiste, DEIS | 523 | 4.4 km |
| Our Ladys SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | – | 799 | 4.4 km |
| Alexandra CollegeVoluntary secondary · Church of Ireland | Girls | Fee-paying, Boarding | 664 | 4.5 km |
| Greenhills CollegeETB · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 186 | 4.5 km |
| Marian CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | DEIS | 319 | 4.6 km |
| Mount Sackville Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | Fee-paying | 636 | 4.6 km |
| Rosmini Community SchoolCommunity school · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 139 | 4.7 km |
| Ringsend CollegeETB · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 191 | 4.8 km |
| St Josephs C.B.S.Voluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | DEIS | 310 | 4.9 km |
| Dominican CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | – | 799 | 4.9 km |
| Marino CollegeETB · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 297 | 5 km |
| St Kevins CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | DEIS | 503 | 5.2 km |
| St Mac Dara's Community CollegeETB · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | – | 915 | 5.2 km |
| De La Salle CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | – | 463 | 5.2 km |
| St Michaels Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | DEIS | 646 | 5.3 km |
| The Teresian SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | Fee-paying | 230 | 5.3 km |
| Loreto High SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | Fee-paying | 625 | 5.4 km |
| Clonturk CollegeETB · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | – | 968 | 5.4 km |
| Edmund Rice CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | – | 912 | 5.4 km |
| Gaelcholáiste an PhiarsaighVoluntary secondary · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | Gaelcholáiste | 296 | 5.4 km |
| Coláiste EoinETB · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 257 | 5.4 km |
| Phobailscoil IosoldeCommunity school · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 764 | 5.5 km |
| Beneavin De La Salle CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | DEIS | 585 | 5.5 km |
| Árdscoil RísVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | – | 563 | 5.5 km |
| Sandymount Park Educate Together Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | – | 437 | 5.5 km |
| Coláiste de hÍdeETB · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | Gaelcholáiste, DEIS | 266 | 5.6 km |
| Maryfield CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | – | 527 | 5.6 km |
| St Michaels CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | Fee-paying | 731 | 5.7 km |
| St. Aidan's C.B.S.Voluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | – | 725 | 5.7 km |
| Mount Temple Comprehensive SchoolComprehensive · Church of Ireland | Girls and boys | – | 903 | 5.8 km |
| Castleknock CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | Fee-paying | 771 | 5.8 km |
| Tallaght Community SchoolCommunity school · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 840 | 5.8 km |
| Our Lady's Grove Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | – | 295 | 5.9 km |
| St Kilian's Deutsche SchuleVoluntary secondary · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | Fee-paying | 475 | 6 km |
| Coláiste ÉannaVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | – | 618 | 6 km |
| New Cross CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | DEIS | 417 | 6.1 km |
| Ellenfield Community CollegeETB · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 150 | 6.1 km |
| Sancta Maria CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | – | 577 | 6.2 km |
| Trinity Comprehensive SchoolComprehensive · Catholic | Girls and boys | DEIS | 564 | 6.2 km |
| Kingswood Community CollegeETB · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | – | 1,006 | 6.3 km |
| The Kings HospitalVoluntary secondary · Church of Ireland | Girls and boys | Fee-paying, Boarding | 732 | 6.4 km |
| Goatstown Educate Together Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | – | 366 | 6.5 km |
| Collinstown Park Community CollegeETB · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 630 | 6.7 km |
| Our Lady Of Mercy CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | DEIS | 407 | 6.7 km |
| Coláiste BrídeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | – | 993 | 6.7 km |
| Holy Faith Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | – | 647 | 6.9 km |
| St. David's CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | DEIS | 550 | 6.9 km |
| Ballinteer Community SchoolCommunity school · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 415 | 6.9 km |
| St. Colmcille's Community SchoolCommunity school · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | – | 727 | 6.9 km |
| Mount Anville Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | Fee-paying | 726 | 7.1 km |
| Moyle Park CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | – | 763 | 7.1 km |
| Castleknock Community CollegeETB · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | – | 1,318 | 7.3 km |
| Coláiste EoinVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | Gaelcholáiste | 517 | 7.3 km |
| St Andrews CollegeVoluntary secondary · Presbyterian | Girls and boys | Fee-paying | 1,011 | 7.3 km |
| Coláiste ChilliainETB · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | Gaelcholáiste | 400 | 7.3 km |
| Coláiste ÍosagáinVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | Gaelcholáiste | 488 | 7.4 km |
| St. Kevin's Community CollegeETB · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 525 | 7.4 km |
| St. Tiernan's Community SchoolCommunity school · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 368 | 7.5 km |
| Le Cheile Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | – | 944 | 7.5 km |
| St Marys Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | DEIS | 320 | 7.6 km |
| Willow Park SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | Fee-paying, Boarding | 206 | 7.6 km |
| St Pauls CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | – | 650 | 7.7 km |
| Wesley CollegeVoluntary secondary · Methodist | Girls and boys | Fee-paying, Boarding | 942 | 7.8 km |
| St Benildus CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | – | 949 | 7.9 km |
| Firhouse Community CollegeETB · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | – | 825 | 7.9 km |
| Old Bawn Community SchoolCommunity school · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | – | 1,024 | 8 km |
| Blackrock CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | Fee-paying, Boarding | 1,041 | 8.1 km |
| Chanel CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | DEIS | 451 | 8.1 km |
| Oatlands CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | – | 623 | 8.1 km |
| Dominican CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | – | 521 | 8.2 km |
| Mercy College CoolockVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | DEIS | 402 | 8.2 km |
| St Marks Community SchoolCommunity school · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 931 | 8.2 km |
| Coolock Community CollegeETB · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 205 | 8.3 km |
| St Columba's CollegeVoluntary secondary · Church of Ireland | Girls and boys | Fee-paying, Boarding | 357 | 8.4 km |
| Firhouse Educate Together Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | – | 411 | 8.4 km |
| Deansrath Community CollegeETB · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 425 | 8.5 km |
| Luttrellstown Community CollegeETB · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | – | 1,027 | 8.5 km |
| Scoil Phobail Chuil MhinCommunity school · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | – | 1,014 | 8.6 km |
| Rockbrook Park SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | Fee-paying | 186 | 8.6 km |
| Kishoge Community CollegeETB · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | – | 937 | 8.7 km |
| Griffeen Community CollegeETB · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | – | 576 | 8.7 km |
| St Raphaela's Secondary SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | – | 637 | 8.7 km |
| Rath Dara Community CollegeETB · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 323 | 8.9 km |
| Manor House SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | – | 652 | 9.2 km |
| Coláiste Phádraig CBSVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Boys | – | 745 | 9.3 km |
| Coláiste Cois LifeETB · Multi-denominational | Girls and boys | Gaelcholáiste | 592 | 9.4 km |
| Blakestown Community SchoolCommunity school · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 563 | 9.5 km |
| St Aidan's Community SchoolCommunity school · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 561 | 9.8 km |
| Killinarden Community SchoolCommunity school · Inter-denominational | Girls and boys | DEIS | 471 | 9.8 km |
| St Joseph's CollegeVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | – | 934 | 9.8 km |
| Newpark Comprehensive SchoolComprehensive · Church of Ireland | Girls and boys | – | 884 | 9.9 km |
| Rosemont SchoolVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls | Fee-paying | 307 | 9.9 km |
| Árdscoil La SalleVoluntary secondary · Catholic | Girls and boys | DEIS | 289 | 10 km |
Department of Education post-primary list 2025/26; straight-line distances from the town’s centre point.
Special schools and classes around Dolphins Barn
15 special schools serve the area: St John of God Sp Sch, An Cosan CSS, Henrietta Street School, Solas Hospital School, Our Lady of Hope School, Scoil Eoin, Hospital School CHI at Temple Street, Holy Family School for the Deaf, An Taonad Reamhscoile, Catherine Mc Auley N Sc, St L O Tooles 2 Spec, Phoenix Park Specialist School, Casa Caterina S S, St Vincents Home NS and St Peters Special Sch, 1,042 pupils between them. 43 of the 88 primary schools have special classes for children who need more support. Their cards ↑
Special schools and primary schools with special classes as the Department lists them; the National Council for Special Education places pupils in special classes.
Dolphins Barn beside the 73 other Irish towns of 13,200 to 25,400 people
Towns of a similar size, with the schools in or within 3 km of each; ordered by population, never ranked
| Town | People | Schools | Pupils | All-Irish | DEIS schools | Nearest post-primary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blanchardstown | 24,613 | 91 | 36,302 | 5 | 44% | 0.7 km |
| … | ||||||
| Crumlin | 19,287 | 124 | 35,375 | 8 | 52% | 0.5 km |
| Mulhuddart | 19,252 | 50 | 26,364 | 3 | 24% | 0.9 km |
| Esker | 19,110 | 56 | 23,239 | 6 | 34% | 0.9 km |
| Beaumont | 19,072 | 124 | 35,530 | 7 | 48% | 0.5 km |
| Dolphins Barn | 18,799 | 135 | 32,910 | 9 | 56% | 0.4 km |
| Old Bawn | 18,758 | 73 | 26,840 | 5 | 43% | 0.7 km |
| Stoneybatter | 18,644 | 142 | 37,206 | 11 | 53% | 0.1 km |
| Clontarf East | 18,626 | 117 | 32,925 | 5 | 44% | 0.6 km |
| Malahide | 18,608 | 24 | 12,134 | 1 | 8% | 1.1 km |
| … | ||||||
| Sallynoggin | 13,245 | 51 | 15,036 | 2 | 24% | 0.6 km |
Among the 73 other towns, 21 have more pupils at their schools than Dolphins Barn does. Every one of them has an all-Irish school within 3 km.
Department of Education school lists 2025/26 (preliminary); CSO Census 2022 populations.
Pupil numbers around Dolphins Barn
Every school in or within 3 km of the town each September, counted where it stands today.
The schools in and around Dolphins Barn had 32,312 pupils in 2015/16 and 32,910 in 2025/26. Harcourt Terrace Educate Together National School grew most: +852% since 2019/20.
Pupils at schools in and around Dolphins Barn
Department of Education enrolments at 30 September each year, 2015/16 to 2025/26 (preliminary), for every school placed in the area today; schools that have since closed or merged count where they stood.
Schools in the towns around Dolphins Barn
Each town’s schools in or within 3 km of its outline; distances as the crow flies.
| Town | Schools | Pupils | All-Irish | DEIS schools | Nearest post-primary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphins Barn | 135 | 32,910 | 9 | 56% | 0.4 km |
| The Liberties 1 km | 129 | 33,405 | 9 | 53% | 0.3 km |
| Kilmainham 1.6 km | 106 | 27,472 | 4 | 62% | 0.5 km |
| Stoneybatter 1.6 km | 142 | 37,206 | 11 | 53% | 0.1 km |
| Crumlin 1.6 km | 124 | 35,375 | 8 | 52% | 0.5 km |
| Christchurch 1.7 km | 119 | 29,651 | 8 | 51% | 0.3 km |
| Temple Bar 1.9 km | 116 | 27,705 | 10 | 51% | 0.5 km |
Stoneybatter has the most schools teaching through Irish nearby: 11. Pupils around Dolphins Barn: +5% since 2019/20. Among the neighbours, Temple Bar led (+7%) and Christchurch trailed (+5%).
What this data can and can’t tell you
- Which schools count. Every school in Dolphins Barn or within 3 km of its outline, as the Department places it: families here use them. Schools further out are on the map of each school’s own page.
- The kinds of school. Primary schools take children from junior infants to sixth class, about ages 4 to 12. Post-primary schools teach the Junior and Leaving Certificate, about ages 12 to 18: voluntary secondary schools (mostly with a religious patron), ETB schools and community colleges run by an Education and Training Board, and community and comprehensive schools. Special schools teach children with particular needs.
- Teaching through Irish. All-Irish: every subject taught through Irish, in the Gaeltacht or, outside it, a Gaelscoil or Gaelcholáiste. Partly in Irish: an Irish stream (some classes entirely through Irish) or some subjects through Irish. Every other school teaches Irish as a subject.
- DEIS. DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) gives schools serving disadvantaged areas more teachers, money and support; the Department decides which schools are in it.
- Ethos and patron. Most Irish schools are owned by a patron, mostly a church; the patron sets the school’s ethos. Multi-denominational schools (Educate Together, many ETB schools) teach children of every faith and none together.
- No grade. Section 53 of the Education Act 1998 lets the Minister refuse to release information that would allow schools’ exam results to be compared, and no results are published school by school. So Ireland’s schools have no letters and its towns no School Grade; nothing on this page ranks them.
- What isn’t here. What the UK and French pages show from results, these can’t: results charts, results against pupils’ backgrounds and towns ranked by their schools (no published results), and how full each school is (no capacity is published). Every post-primary school teaches to the Leaving Certificate, so there is no sixth-form split to show.
- Inspections. The Inspectorate’s reports are linked from each school’s page. They give no overall grade, so none is shown.
- The year. The 2025/26 lists are the Department’s preliminary release; numbers can change a little in the final lists.
Questions about schools in Dolphins Barn
How many schools are there in Dolphins Barn?
In Dolphins Barn or within 3 km of it: 88 primary schools, 32 secondary schools and 15 special schools, with 32,910 pupils between them.
Are there schools in Dolphins Barn that teach through Irish?
Yes, 9: Gaelscoil Inse Chor, Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire and Scoil Chaoimhin teach every subject through Irish.
Are there fee-paying secondary schools near Dolphins Barn?
6 of the 32: Belvedere College S.J, St. Mary's College C.S.Sp., Rathmines, Loreto College and Catholic University School. The others are free.
What is the best school in Dolphins Barn?
We don’t say. Ireland publishes no exam results school by school, and section 53 of the Education Act 1998 restricts comparing them; a ranking would rest on guesses. Each school’s page has its own facts and a link to its inspection reports, and visiting the schools you are weighing is still the best guide.
How do I get a place at a school in Dolphins Barn?
Apply to each school directly: every school publishes an admission policy and a yearly admission notice with its dates. If it has more applicants than places, it admits on the criteria in its policy.
Sources: Department of Education, school lists 2025/26 (preliminary) and enrolments since 2015/16, CC BY 4.0 · one school placed with OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL). Under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0).
Contains Central Statistics Office (CSO) data, Census 2022, and Tailte Éireann boundaries (CSO Urban Areas, Small Areas, local electoral areas, constituencies), under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0).