Carrakennedy National School
Westport, Mayo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 32 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 16 girls, 16 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 15866A the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Carrakennedy National School is a small, two‑teacher Catholic co‑educational primary school situated in the parish of Cushlough, roughly 12 km north‑west of Westport, County Mayo. The school’s intimate size allows for low pupil‑to‑teacher ratios, fostering a close‑knit community where each child receives personalised attention and support. Its Catholic ethos underpins everyday life, encouraging the development of moral values, respect for others and a sense of belonging within the local parish community. The school offers a full range of primary‑level classes and follows the national curriculum, providing a balanced programme of literacy, numeracy, social studies, arts and physical education. Facilities are designed to support active learning, with dedicated classroom spaces and resources appropriate for young learners. As a long‑standing institution founded in 1906, Carrakennedy N.S. combines its historic heritage with contemporary teaching practices to nurture the academic, social and spiritual growth of its pupils.
History
Carrakennedy National School was founded in 1906. The school expresses pride in its long heritage and acknowledges the contributions of past and present pupils and staff in shaping the school into what it is today.
Applying to Carrakennedy 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.
School-published admissions links
These links come from the school's published admissions material. Check the school year shown before relying on dates or place numbers.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Carrakennedy 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 Carrakennedy National School
How many pupils attend Carrakennedy National School?
Carrakennedy National School has 32 pupils enrolled, 16 girls and 16 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Carrakennedy National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Carrakennedy 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 Carrakennedy National School?
Carrakennedy National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.