Cloghans National School
Knockmore, Mayo
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 9 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 5 girls, 4 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16170O the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Cloghans National School is a small, community‑focused primary school situated on the shores of Lough Conn near Ballina, County Mayo. The school places the child at the centre of every decision, fostering strong relationships between pupils, staff and parents to support a nurturing learning environment. Class sizes are deliberately kept low, allowing one‑to‑one attention and a blend of structured and play‑based activities that develop both academic and social skills. The school’s facilities combine historic charm with modern amenities. The original 1915 building has been extended with bright, airy classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards, and a dedicated room for the Special Education Teacher. Outdoor provision includes a spacious football pitch, a developing Friendship Garden and participation in the Green Schools programme, for which the school holds two Green School Flags. A vibrant musical tradition sees children learning the tin whistle from first class, while annual arts performances, including a Christmas show, enrich the cultural life of the school. Emphasis on STEM, cooking and the Discovery Primary Science Programme further broadens the curriculum.
History
Cloghans National School was built in 1915 on a site that previously hosted a thatched school dating back to pre‑Famine times, which itself succeeded an earlier hedge school. The community retains a strong sense of pride in this long‑standing educational heritage.
Applying to Cloghans 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 Cloghans 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 Cloghans National School
How many pupils attend Cloghans National School?
Cloghans National School has 9 pupils enrolled, 5 girls and 4 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Cloghans National School a DEIS school?
No. Cloghans 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 Cloghans National School?
Cloghans National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.