Carrigaholt Mixed National School
Kilrush, Clare
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 30 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 15 girls, 15 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18630J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Carrigaholt Mixed National School is a co‑educational, Catholic‑patroned primary school set in the picturesque village of Carrigaholt on the Loop Head Peninsula, County Clare. The school provides education from pre‑school (Funscoil) through to sixth class, fostering a happy, friendly atmosphere that prioritises pupils’ learning, well‑being and personal development. An inclusive ethos underpins daily practice, with a strong emphasis on moral, spiritual, physical, academic, aesthetic and cultural growth, encouraging kindness, fairness and respect for diversity. The campus comprises two mainstream classrooms, a dedicated autism class (Cairdeas) for up to six pupils, and a range of specialist facilities including an ultramodern sensory room, a sensory ball court and a well‑equipped “Cairdeas” room. A Special Education Teacher supports both mainstream and special‑needs learners, and the school’s Funscoil offers early childhood provision. These resources enable personalised learning pathways, integration of pupils with additional needs into mainstream activities, and a broad curriculum that nurtures each child’s unique talents and abilities.
History
The original Carrigaholt schoolhouse, erected in 1850, was the first national school on the Loop Head Peninsula. A separate girls’ school opened in 1853, and the two operated independently until declining enrolments prompted a merger into a co‑educational model. The current school building was constructed in 1962, replacing the 19th‑century structure; during construction lessons were held in St Mary’s parish hall. In 2008 the school was refurbished and modernised, with temporary classes conducted at the nearby Coláiste Eoghain Uí Chomhraidhe. Notable leadership includes Mr Vincent Flynn (principal 1952‑1996) and Mrs Mary Keane (principal 1996‑2015), followed by the current principal appointed in 2015.
Applying to Carrigaholt Mixed 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 Carrigaholt Mixed 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 Carrigaholt Mixed National School
How many pupils attend Carrigaholt Mixed National School?
Carrigaholt Mixed National School has 30 pupils enrolled, 15 girls and 15 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Carrigaholt Mixed National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Carrigaholt Mixed 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 Carrigaholt Mixed National School?
Carrigaholt Mixed National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.