Castlerock National School
Aclare, Sligo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 31 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 9 girls, 22 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 13242V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Castlerock National School is a rural primary school located in the parish of Kilmactigue, close to Lough Talt and the Ox Mountains in County Sligo. The school serves the local community with a strong emphasis on both traditional Irish culture and modern digital skills – it is part of the Schools Broadband Programme and promotes coding across the curriculum. Classrooms are complemented by a dedicated “Seomra Spraoi” (playroom) that supports creative and sensory learning, and the school grounds include a bird‑feeding station and a garden used for environmental projects such as the Irish Garden Bird Survey. The ethos of the school blends respect for heritage with forward‑looking education. Pupils take part in cultural activities like the making of St Brigid’s Day crosses, while also engaging in science‑based observations of local wildlife. A range of policies covering admissions, child protection, health and safety, and acceptable use of the internet underpin a safe and inclusive learning environment. The school’s small‑scale, community‑focused setting allows for close parental involvement and a nurturing atmosphere for children aged 4‑12.
History
Castlerock National School has a documented history that is celebrated through a dedicated “School History” section. The school’s past is recorded in the *History of Castlerock NS* book and includes entries from the 1938/39 Schools Heritage Project, indicating that the school has been an established part of the local community since at least the early‑mid‑20th century. The history page provides a range of interesting facts and milestones, reflecting the school’s long‑standing role in the area.
Applying to Castlerock 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 Castlerock 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 Castlerock National School
How many pupils attend Castlerock National School?
Castlerock National School has 31 pupils enrolled, 9 girls and 22 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Castlerock National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Castlerock 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 Castlerock National School?
Castlerock National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.