Brackloon National School
Westport, Mayo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 145 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 68 girls, 77 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 04796R the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St Joseph’s National School is a Catholic, co‑educational primary school under the patronage of Archbishop Michael Neary. Situated on the edge of Brackloon Woods, about 4.5 miles south‑west of Westport, the school benefits from a scenic rural setting framed by the foothills of Croagh Patrick. In 2013 the school moved into a modern, state‑of‑the‑art building that provides spacious classrooms, specialist areas for music, art and sport, and a safe, welcoming environment for its growing pupil body, which now comprises seven mainstream classes. The school’s educational philosophy is holistic, aiming to develop the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, moral, aesthetic and social dimensions of each child. A strong emphasis is placed on sport – with Gaelic football, hurling, soccer, camogie, cycling, athletics and swimming – and the arts, including weekly Irish music and dancing sessions, participation in the National Children’s Choir and biennial concerts. Brackloon NS is also a Green School, operating a developing school garden and promoting environmental stewardship. Healthy eating is enforced through a strict policy that bans junk food, and a supportive Home‑School Association works closely with the Board of Management to enhance school life.
History
The original school building was erected in 1849, establishing a long tradition of education in the Brackloon community. In 2013 the school relocated to a new, purpose‑built facility with contemporary amenities, while the historic structure was repurposed as the Little Acorns preschool and after‑school centre. Since then enrolment has steadily increased, and from 2021 the school operates seven mainstream primary classes.
Applying to Brackloon 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 Brackloon 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 Brackloon National School
How many pupils attend Brackloon National School?
Brackloon National School has 145 pupils enrolled, 68 girls and 77 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Brackloon National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Brackloon 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 Brackloon National School?
Brackloon National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.