Claddagh National School
The Claddagh, Galway
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 262 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 121 girls, 141 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16943U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Claddagh National School is a co‑educational primary school situated in the historic Claddagh district of Galway City. It offers a friendly, community‑focused environment where children of all backgrounds and abilities learn together in safety and happiness. With small class sizes of generally fewer than 20 pupils and a staff of over 50, the school prioritises personalised attention and a child‑centred approach to education. The curriculum blends traditional learning with innovative programmes, including a strong STEM initiative, a dedicated art room with a specialist art teacher, and a vibrant music programme that features a school band supported by Galway City Council. State‑of‑the‑art facilities enhance the learning experience: a modern audiovisual studio, a new astroturf football pitch, and free hot meals for every pupil. The school also promotes holistic wellbeing through a balanced emphasis on healthy minds and bodies, and participates in the Erasmus+ WELL project to foster inclusive, welcoming learning environments.
History
Claddagh National School opened its doors in 1933, building on a legacy of education in the area that began with the Dominican Fathers’ Piscatorial School founded on Claddagh Quay in 1846. Over the decades the school has led progressive and inclusive education, evolving from its early roots in the historic fishing village into a modern, child‑focused primary school with contemporary facilities and a strong community ethos.
Applying to Claddagh 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 Claddagh 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 Claddagh National School
How many pupils attend Claddagh National School?
Claddagh National School has 262 pupils enrolled, 121 girls and 141 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Claddagh National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Claddagh 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 Claddagh National School?
Claddagh National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.