Achill Sound Convent National School
Achill Sound,, Mayo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Gaeltacht
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 20 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 11 girls, 9 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 14863M the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Achill Sound National School is a mixed‑gender primary school set in a picturesque rural village on Achill Island. The school promotes an inclusive, pupil‑centred culture where each child’s individuality is valued and wellbeing is woven into everyday life. Learning takes place in a supportive environment that encourages confidence, responsibility and the development of well‑rounded, happy citizens. The school’s facilities include three bright, airy classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards and laptops, a purpose room, a learning support room, a parent’s room, a library and a staffroom. Outside, a large yard provides a basketball court, a sheltered area with picnic benches that can double as an outdoor classroom, and easy access to local amenities such as the library, playground, shops and community hall, strengthening community links. A range of extra‑curricular activities – from theatre visits and music programmes to swimming, choir, safe‑cycling and community projects – enriches the curriculum and offers pupils diverse learning experiences.
History
Our school is known both as Scoil Mhuire gan Smál and Achill Sound National School. The present building was erected in 1966 as a two‑room school, with two additional classrooms and an office added in 1989. Originally governed by the Sisters of Mercy and situated beside the old convent, the school became a lay‑run institution in 2004.
Applying to Achill Sound Convent National School
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Achill Sound Convent National School. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Achill Sound Convent National School
How many pupils attend Achill Sound Convent National School?
Achill Sound Convent National School has 20 pupils enrolled, 11 girls and 9 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Achill Sound Convent National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Achill Sound Convent National School is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
Does Achill Sound Convent National School teach through Irish?
Achill Sound Convent National School is located in a Gaeltacht area, where Irish is a community language. The Department of Education record for the school lists no subjects taught through Irish.