Castlerahan Central National School
Ballyjamesduff, Cavan
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 96 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 46 girls, 50 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19418Q the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Mary’s National School, Castlerahan is a Catholic primary school situated midway between Ballyjamesduff and Oldcastle in the parish of Castlerahan, County Cavan. Guided by Christian values and the teaching of the Church, the school welcomes pupils of all faiths and backgrounds, celebrating diversity as a source of richness within the community. Its ethos centres on the dignity and worth of every individual, fostering an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and respected. The school’s educational approach is holistic, aiming to nurture the whole child – spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially. It seeks to instil a love of learning, resilience and a sense of responsibility, while encouraging respect, compassion and kindness. Daily classroom activities are designed to be engaging and varied, supporting the development of confidence and friendship. Uniforms consist of a navy‑blue tracksuit and pale‑blue polo shirt, reinforcing a sense of belonging and pride. Governance is provided by an eight‑member Board of Management that includes parent, teacher and community representatives, as well as a nominee of the local bishop. The school offers mainstream classes from Junior Infants to Sixth Class and provides a dedicated Autism classroom, reflecting its commitment to meeting diverse learning needs. Admission numbers are clearly outlined each year, and the school works closely with families and the wider community to create a supportive, vibrant learning environment.
Applying to Castlerahan Central 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 Castlerahan Central 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 Castlerahan Central National School
How many pupils attend Castlerahan Central National School?
Castlerahan Central National School has 96 pupils enrolled, 46 girls and 50 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Castlerahan Central National School a DEIS school?
No. Castlerahan Central 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 Castlerahan Central National School?
Castlerahan Central National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.