Carraholly National School
Carrowholly, Mayo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 42 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 19 girls, 23 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17483R the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Carrowholly National School is a vibrant primary school situated in Rusheen, Westport, County Mayo, approximately 5 km from the town centre. Set against the backdrop of Clew Bay and the pilgrim mountain Croagh Patrick, the school benefits from a tranquil, child‑centred learning environment that draws on the natural beauty of its surroundings. The school places a strong emphasis on wellbeing, fostering happy and memorable experiences through positive reinforcement, encouragement and a collaborative ethos that celebrates the individual talents of every pupil. The campus comprises a modern, bright building that was extensively refurbished in 2001 and further expanded in 2009, providing four spacious classrooms with ensuite facilities, a dedicated learning support and resource room, staffroom, offices and a multipurpose hall. Recent enhancements include a state‑of‑the‑art rain‑water harvesting system, a community playing field, and an astro‑turf pitch added in 2023, offering ample indoor and outdoor opportunities for play and learning. The school’s curriculum is informed by up‑to‑date pedagogical approaches and evolving national initiatives, ensuring that each child receives a high‑quality education tailored to their needs.
History
The first school in Carrowholly was established in 1834 to educate the children of local labourers, tenants of the demesne and Coastguard staff at Pigeon Point. Originally a modest one‑room cabin (13 × 10 ft) with two teachers, it operated long winter and summer hours and served around 100 pupils. Throughout the 19th century the school saw a succession of principals and fluctuating enrolments, with notable records in 1884 (149 pupils) and various improvements such as new privies at the turn of the century. Major building works occurred in 2001 under Principal Peter Carney, when the existing structure was fully refurbished and extended, followed by a further extension in April 2009 that introduced innovative features including a rain‑water harvesting system and a community playing field. The most recent development, completed in 2023, added an astro‑turf surface to the recreational area, further enhancing the school’s facilities for sport and outdoor learning.
Applying to Carraholly 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 Carraholly 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 Carraholly National School
How many pupils attend Carraholly National School?
Carraholly National School has 42 pupils enrolled, 19 girls and 23 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Carraholly National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Carraholly 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 Carraholly National School?
Carraholly National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.