Callystown National School
Clogherhead, Louth
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 261 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 125 girls, 136 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 14252G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Callystown National School is a primary‑level national school serving the Clogherhead community, providing education for children from junior infants to sixth class in line with the Irish National Curriculum. The school places a strong emphasis on inclusive learning, offering a dedicated autism class and a range of extracurricular activities that reflect local culture and community spirit. Modern teaching spaces are housed in a purpose‑built facility opened in November 1988, equipped with central heating, electricity and contemporary classroom resources, while the historic four‑roomed building that operated from 1897 remains a testament to the school’s long‑standing presence. The school’s facilities include well‑maintained classrooms, a multipurpose hall used for concerts and events, and outdoor play areas that support physical development. Recent initiatives such as the introduction of new autism classes in September and active participation in Schools Week demonstrate a commitment to catering for diverse learning needs and fostering community engagement. Parents are encouraged to join the Parents’ Council and take part in school life, reinforcing a collaborative approach to education.
History
The first known school serving the area was a one‑roomed building at Hackett’s Cross beside St Michael’s church, recorded as “taken into connection” on 10 April 1832 and marked by a plinth erected in 1906. This original school operated until 14 November 1897. Following difficulties in securing a site, a new school house was erected on land acquired from the Newcomen family, opening on 15 November 1897 as Callystown National School. Initially a four‑roomed building housing separate boys’ and girls’ schools, the two were amalgamated in 1958. Electricity arrived in 1951 and was installed in the school in 1952; central heating was added in 1968. A modern school building was completed in November 1988, after which staff and pupils moved from the historic premises.
Applying to Callystown 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 Callystown 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 Callystown National School
How many pupils attend Callystown National School?
Callystown National School has 261 pupils enrolled, 125 girls and 136 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Callystown National School a DEIS school?
No. Callystown 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 Callystown National School?
Callystown National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.