Beheymore National School
Ballina, Mayo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 228 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 113 girls, 115 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 11725I the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Beheymore National School is a rural primary school situated 2.5 km from the roundabout at Judges Garage on the Sligo Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo, with the Ox Mountains to the east, Nephin to the west and, on clear days, the outline of Croagh Patrick visible on the horizon. The school benefits from a modern, purpose‑built complex that was expanded in 2011 and 2013, providing state‑of‑the‑art classrooms, a well‑equipped learning support suite and specialist facilities such as an Astroturf pitch, a fully developed playground and a sensory garden added in 2015. A strong emphasis is placed on environmental stewardship and physical wellbeing: the school earned its 6th Green Flag in 2013, an Award of Excellence in Science, and the Active School Flag in 2014 for promoting a physically active community. Pupils also engage with technology through a Media Team that maintains the website and a Film Club that has achieved national recognition at the Fís (Film in Schools) Festival. The school community is diverse, with many third‑generation families alongside newer families from a range of ethnic backgrounds, fostering a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere.
History
Beheymore National School was founded in 1878 as a one‑room National School located 2.5 miles from Ballina Post Office, enrolling 149 pupils in its first year. The school expanded to four rooms in 1930 and, after decades of community effort, a new three‑acre campus was opened in 1971, funded by a board committee led by Fr Tuffy. Over the years the staff grew from a single teacher in 1877 to a team of over a dozen permanent teachers, support assistants and ancillary staff by 2011. Milestones include a 125‑year celebration in 2003, the addition of modern extensions in 2011 and 2013, and the development of extensive outdoor and sensory facilities. The school’s history reflects a continuous commitment to adapting its provision to the needs of its rural community.
Applying to Beheymore 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 Beheymore 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 Beheymore National School
How many pupils attend Beheymore National School?
Beheymore National School has 228 pupils enrolled, 113 girls and 115 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Beheymore National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Beheymore 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 Beheymore National School?
Beheymore National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.