Belcarra National School
CASTLEBAR, Mayo
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 109 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 49 girls, 60 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17585C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Belcarra National School is a co‑educational, Catholic primary school located six miles from Castlebar in County Mayo. The school provides a well‑ordered, caring and secure environment that nurtures the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural development of each pupil. While its ethos is rooted in the Catholic tradition, the school recognises and respects all other religions, welcoming families of diverse backgrounds as partners in education. The curriculum is delivered with an emphasis on fostering self‑esteem, respect for people and property, and a sense of responsibility. Gender equity is actively promoted among both staff and pupils, and the school community strives to reflect the values of the Gospel in everyday activities. Facilities include a dedicated sensory room, after‑school programmes, and modern classroom resources that support a broad range of learning experiences. Regular communication through blogs and newsletters keeps families informed of events such as music classes, environmental workshops and sporting achievements.
History
Education in Belcarra began with clandestine hedge schools in the early 19th century, notably a school run by Martin Kilcourn in the thatched Catholic chapel and another by James Donnellan in a decaying cold room. Subsequent initiatives included a Kildare Place Society school and a Protestant Church Education Society school supported by local landowners. Following the 1831 introduction of the National System of Education, the first formal National School in Belcarra was established in the 1850s after a concerted effort by community leaders, culminating in a school‑house funded by local patrons and staffed by a young Catholic teacher, James Archdeacon.
Applying to Belcarra 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 Belcarra 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 Belcarra National School
How many pupils attend Belcarra National School?
Belcarra National School has 109 pupils enrolled, 49 girls and 60 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Belcarra National School a DEIS school?
No. Belcarra 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 Belcarra National School?
Belcarra National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.