Bawnmore National School
Claregalway, Galway
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 108 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 45 girls, 63 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 09069L the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Bawnmore National School is a co‑educational, child‑centred primary school situated in Claregalway, Co. Galway. It offers a mainstream curriculum alongside two special‑needs classes and provides on‑site pre‑school provision with before‑ and after‑school care. Recent fundraising efforts are focused on constructing a school astro‑turf, reflecting the community’s commitment to enhancing sporting facilities. The school’s ethos prioritises a happy, friendly and caring environment where pupils feel secure and valued. Learning is driven by inquiry, encouraging children to ask insightful questions, explore disciplinary boundaries and challenge conventional thinking. Emphasis is placed on developing cognitive skills such as evaluating, analysing and critiquing, while active‑learning initiatives and stimulating projects help students navigate a media‑rich world with confidence. Strong collaboration with parents is regarded as essential, fostering a partnership that supports each child’s welfare, social awareness and full potential. The school strives to build bright futures by promoting self‑discipline, mutual respect and a positive, inclusive atmosphere for all learners.
History
Bawnmore National School was founded in 1863 by Richard Kirwan, the landlord of the local estate, to educate the children of his tenants. The school opened on 5 February 1863 on Corrandulla Road, initially accommodating 81 pupils in separate boys’ and girls’ schools taught by Mr Heavey and Mrs Bridget Heavey. By the 1911 census the enrolment had risen to 176 pupils, housed in a single building. In the early 1900s the school was classified as being in an Irish‑speaking district, and a 1930s class project provides insight into contemporary life and education. During the 1960s the original premises fell into disrepair and the Department of Education proposed closure, but strong community resistance, led by the principal at the time, secured the school’s continuation. A new site was obtained through the efforts of Fr Lynch and local benefactor Willie Tarpey. Over the past fifty years, since the centenary in 1963, the school has continued to evolve, adapting its facilities and programmes to meet modern educational needs.
Applying to Bawnmore 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 Bawnmore 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 Bawnmore National School
How many pupils attend Bawnmore National School?
Bawnmore National School has 108 pupils enrolled, 45 girls and 63 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Bawnmore National School a DEIS school?
No. Bawnmore 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 Bawnmore National School?
Bawnmore National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.