Ballanagare National School
Castlerea, Roscommon
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 57 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 29 girls, 28 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17266J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Mary’s National School, Ballinagare is a co‑educational primary school situated in the village of Ballinagare, North County Roscommon. Operating under the Catholic patronage of the Bishop of Elphin, the school embraces the motto “Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí” and positions itself as a centre of Christian values where the spiritual, physical, emotional and academic needs of each child are prioritised. The curriculum is delivered with a strong emphasis on fostering a love of learning, encouraging appreciation of the local environment, culture and history, and providing a broad range of opportunities and activities that support the full development of pupils as young adults. The school benefits from a range of modern facilities, including three classrooms, a dedicated learning support room, a purpose‑built hall, a library, and a staff room/kitchen. Ancillary amenities comprise five toilets and a portocabin, ensuring a comfortable and accessible environment for all students. The school’s mission is to guide children through all aspects of the curriculum while nurturing respect for their heritage and community, creating a supportive and inclusive learning community.
History
The school was founded in 1939 with three classrooms, two toilets and a cloakroom. It now comprises three classrooms, a learning support room, a purpose hall, a library, a staff room/kitchen, five toilets and a portocabin. Following a major renovation in 2004, the extended school was officially opened by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese. The school is located near the ancestral home of the O'Connor Dons, the historic Rathcroghan mound (Cruachain), the legendary palace of Queen Maeve, and the ancient site of Oweynagat, once thought to be an entrance to the underworld.
Applying to Ballanagare 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 Ballanagare 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 Ballanagare National School
How many pupils attend Ballanagare National School?
Ballanagare National School has 57 pupils enrolled, 29 girls and 28 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Ballanagare National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Ballanagare 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.
What is the ethos of Ballanagare National School?
Ballanagare National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.