Annalitten National School
Castleblayeny, Monaghan
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 37 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 13 girls, 24 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 13632L the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Annalitten National School is a co‑educational primary school serving the Annalitten community in County Monaghan. It delivers the Irish primary curriculum with a strong focus on inclusive education, offering early‑years provision, a dedicated Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) class opened in September 2024, and a range of preschool and after‑school activities. The school aims to foster a supportive learning environment that promotes academic progress, personal wellbeing and active community partnership. The school follows a clearly defined three‑term academic calendar and provides a comprehensive suite of policies covering attendance, health and safety, data protection, special educational needs, child safeguarding and more. Facilities include purpose‑built classrooms, outdoor play areas and a school‑bus transport service. Enrolment for the 2026/27 academic year is open, with forms available through the school office, and the school offers additional support for families through its preschool and after‑school programmes.
History
Annalitten National School was founded in 1888 when local Catholic families withdrew their children from a Protestant school at Mullaghnee and established their own school under Catholic patronage. The initiative, led by Fr Laurence W. Gaughran, prompted a parliamentary question in the House of Commons concerning police visits to parents. Early staff included Margaret McNally (grant‑appointed teacher) and Mary Farnan (assistant teacher). Management disputes in the early 1890s were resolved with Canon Hoey becoming patron and manager in 1890. By 1897 a Mrs McDonnell served as principal, and by 1904 the average attendance had risen to 42.7 pupils.
Applying to Annalitten 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 Annalitten 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 Annalitten National School
How many pupils attend Annalitten National School?
Annalitten National School has 37 pupils enrolled, 13 girls and 24 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Annalitten National School a DEIS school?
No. Annalitten National School is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of Annalitten National School?
Annalitten National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.