Burriscarra National School
Ballyglass, Mayo
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 23 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 14 girls, 9 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 05756K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Burriscarra National School, situated in Carnacon, Co. Mayo, is a Roman Catholic primary school that delivers a balanced curriculum aimed at the full and harmonious development of each pupil. The school’s ethos promotes intellectual, physical, cultural, moral and spiritual growth, encouraging a living relationship with God and with others. Religious Education is woven throughout the programme in line with the doctrines and traditions of the Catholic Church, fostering a strong faith foundation alongside the core academic subjects. The school offers a range of early years and extended services, including a preschool for children from the age of two, a breakfast club and after‑school programmes, and a vibrant summer programme that provides additional enrichment activities. Modern facilities support these initiatives, with dedicated spaces for play, learning and community events. A proactive Board of Management and a committed staff team oversee the delivery of a supportive, inclusive environment that prepares children for lifelong learning.
History
The educational roots of Burriscarra National School trace back to the Penal Laws of the late 17th century, when Catholic children were taught in clandestine hedge schools. Following the Roman Catholic Relief Act of 1829 and the establishment of the National Board of Education in 1831, the first purpose‑built school in the area was erected by the Blake family of Towerhill. The solid two‑storey building opened in the autumn of 1849, serving the children of local tenants and drawing pupils from a wide surrounding area. Early roll books reveal a diverse community of learners, many of whom attended well into their teens. Over the ensuing decades the school evolved under the guidance of local managers and inspectors, maintaining its commitment to education despite occasional closures for community events such as race meetings.
Applying to Burriscarra 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 Burriscarra 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 Burriscarra National School
How many pupils attend Burriscarra National School?
Burriscarra National School has 23 pupils enrolled, 14 girls and 9 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Burriscarra National School a DEIS school?
No. Burriscarra 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 Burriscarra National School?
Burriscarra National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.