Ard Na Grath National School
Walderstown, Westmeath
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 110 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 68 girls, 42 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18764H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ard Na Grath National School is a vibrant primary school serving children from Junior and Senior Infants through to Sixth Class, with additional Irish‑language streams (Croí agus Caoí). The school places a strong emphasis on holistic development, integrating the Irish curriculum with hands‑on projects that foster environmental stewardship, creativity and cultural awareness. Recent initiatives such as the Breeding Waders programme, Willow Weavers in the new sensory garden and participation in the RE:PEAT Bog Academy illustrate a commitment to experiential learning and sustainability. The campus includes a purpose‑built sensory garden, outdoor play areas and facilities that support a wide range of extracurricular activities, from cross‑country running to Gaelic football. Regular community events – open nights, cultural weeks and fundraising raffles – encourage parental involvement and strengthen ties with the local area. The school’s approach balances academic rigour with opportunities for students to explore the natural world, develop artistic skills and engage in team sports, preparing them for lifelong learning and active citizenship.
Applying to Ard Na Grath 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 Ard Na Grath 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 Ard Na Grath National School
How many pupils attend Ard Na Grath National School?
Ard Na Grath National School has 110 pupils enrolled, 68 girls and 42 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Ard Na Grath National School a DEIS school?
No. Ard Na Grath 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 Ard Na Grath National School?
Ard Na Grath National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.