St Gabriel's National School

Our school has a rich and fascinating history.

1895: St Gabriels NS opened on October 28th 1895.

The Freeman's Journal of August 5th 1895 talks of the new St Gabriel's National Schools.

The Irish Times of August 1895 tells us that "the schools occupy one of finest sites in Dublin, an elevated position, in front of nearly 300 artisans' dwellings,newly built, while at the rear, across wide stretching wooded firelds, open a vista of the Dublin Mountains, interrupted only by the outline of the Dome of the Four Courts and by the tower and spires of some of the finest churches in the city"

1896: The building of the school commenced in 1895 and the school was officially opened in 1896.
The Infant school was on the ground floor and the Boys and Girls Schools occupied the second floor. The combined schools would cater for 800 pupils

When the school was built many of the children came from a military background. Both the military barracks are within walking distance of the school. Old rollbooks of the early years show the father of the pupils to be soldiers, trademen, craftsmen and policemen.

1953: Refurbishment and extension o the school

1970's: Junior & Senior Boys' schools amalgamated.
Junior & Senior Girls amalgamated.

1996: The Boys and Girls Schools amalgamated.

1997: Part of the school demolished

Today there are over 200 chidlren on roll.

Photographs include:

• Old Girl's School before its demoliton 1996-97
• Copy of article from Freeman's Journal 5th August 1895, which talks about the new St Gabriel's NS