Primary School

Primary Schools

Active South Dublin is committed to supporting primary schools in promoting healthier, more active lifestyles. We focus on providing inclusive opportunities for all children—boys and girls, those with different abilities, and students with varying skill levels. Our programmes are designed to make physical activity fun and accessible, helping to build strong foundations for a lifetime of health and fitness.

A woman and a young child crouch on a roadside curb, closely reading a map together during an orienteering activity. The child wears a pink hat and sports jersey, while the adult carries a backpack. An orienteering flag and checkpoint marker are visible beside them. The background is grassy and wooded, suggesting a park or forest setting. The image captures focus, learning, and outdoor family activity.

A group of young children in a swimming pool during a lesson or activity session. They are wearing colourful swim goggles and swimwear, smiling and chatting while standing in the water. The focus is on one girl in the centre, looking ahead with determination. The setting is a bright indoor pool, and the mood is cheerful, safe, and encouraging.

Two young boys in white judo uniforms with coloured belts practice a grappling technique during a martial arts class. They are indoors in a gym or dojo, concentrating on their movement while maintaining control and balance. Other participants and equipment are visible in the blurred background. The image captures focus, discipline, and active learning through sport.

A group of primary school girls taking part in a cross-country running race on a grassy field. The leading runner in a green and white jersey looks focused, with several others following close behind in red and white sports kits. The background includes sports markers and fencing, indicating a school or community sports setting. The image captures fitness, competition, and youthful determination.

Two boys wearing boxing gloves practice sparring indoors during a youth boxing session. One boy is mid-punch, while the other holds focus pads. In the background, other children are also engaged in boxing drills. The setting is a bright indoor space with wooden walls and a purple floor. The image highlights focus, coordination, and confidence-building through structured physical activity.

Our programmes include:

Annual Swim Programme Grant

Active South Dublin offers an annual grant to primary schools to help fund swimming programmes. Grants range from €500 to €1,500, depending on factors such as pupil numbers, whether the school is a DEIS school or a special school, and previous support. Schools can apply for funding at the end of the school year (May), with funding provided for the following school year.

Cross Country Programme

The Cross-Country Programme is aimed at 3rd to 6th class students, with a large countywide event traditionally held in Corkagh Park. Although the event has been scaled back due to staffing challenges, we are working to bring local schools together for smaller events, where the focus is on participation and enjoyment, not competition or medals.

Athletics Ireland’s Try Track & Field Programme

This programme, which brings a qualified athletics coach into a select number of disadvantaged schools for a six-week period, covers activities such as running, jumping, and throwing. Active South Dublin subsidises most of the cost (60-80%), with schools and Athletics Ireland covering the remaining costs. The programme ends with a local event at an athletics facility, such as Tallaght Athletic Club or Lucan Harriers, allowing students to experience these excellent local facilities.

Martial Arts /Kickboxing

A popular new offering, the kickboxing programme is delivered by a registered tutor in six-week sessions for senior classes. The programme is heavily subsidised, with costs varying based on whether the school is DEIS or non-DEIS. The emphasis is on both fun and focus.

Boxercise

Boxercise is a much-loved programme, especially for senior classes. Delivered by a qualified boxercise tutor, the programme focuses on fitness, fun, and building strength, making it a hit with students across South Dublin.

Orienteering

Orienteering is a great recreational activity that allows students of all abilities to work together in mixed teams. Active South Dublin has orienteering courses in Tymon Park, Corkagh Park, and Griffeen Valley Park, each offering short, medium, and long routes. We provide maps and answer sheets to assist with the activities. Additionally, we offer subsidised orienteering training for teachers, helping to build long-term skills.

Other Programmes

In addition to the programmes listed above, Active South Dublin also supports a range of sports delivered by sports officers who are co-funded by South Dublin County Council. These include Basketball, Cricket, Rugby, Gaelic Games, and Soccer. If your school is interested in any of these activities, please contact us, and we will provide the relevant contact details.

If there are other activities your school would like to explore, such as Volleyball, Frisbee, Badminton, or Cycling, please let us know, and we will work to facilitate your request.

We are committed to leaving a lasting impact on schools, and for some activities, we encourage teachers to undertake training. This training is either free or heavily subsidised, helping to ensure that teachers can continue to support physical activity in their schools for years to come.