Cloneyhurke National School
Portarlington, Offaly
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 18 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 4 girls, 14 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 15923J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Cloneyhurke National School is a vibrant rural primary school that blends a strong community ethos with a forward‑looking, play‑based curriculum. The school places particular emphasis on experiential learning, offering a range of hands‑on programmes such as VEX robotics demonstrations, sensory circuits, and a Maths Plan that aligns with the new Primary Maths Curriculum through playful, inquiry‑led activities. Irish language development is nurtured through the Gaelbhratach programme, where pupils regularly engage in Irish games, songs and conversational practice, reinforcing cultural heritage in a relaxed setting. The school’s facilities have evolved from the original 1908 building to include modern amenities such as flush toilets, electric central heating, a tarmac‑edged yard and upgraded flooring and windows. Dedicated spaces support a wide variety of extracurricular pursuits, from Green Schools projects and biodiversity workshops to gymnastics sessions and community‑led fundraisers. Strong parental involvement, exemplified by an active Parents’ Council, underpins many of the school’s initiatives, fostering a supportive environment where children can explore science, mathematics, sport and the arts with confidence and curiosity.
History
Cloneyhurke National School originated as a modest gate‑house‑style building in 1893, provided by John Keegan to the parish priest for the education of local children. A purpose‑built school was erected in 1908 through voluntary labour, with a local contribution of £246‑8‑6 and state funding covering the remaining £739‑8‑6. Over the decades the school has been modernised: dry toilets were replaced by flush facilities, electric central heating was installed in the 1960s, the yard was tarmac‑adamised, a partition was added in 1978, and new floors and windows were fitted in the 1980s. The school celebrated its 116th year in 2024, reflecting a long tradition of community involvement and continuous improvement.
Applying to Cloneyhurke 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
View Cloneyhurke National School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Cloneyhurke National School. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Cloneyhurke National School
How many pupils attend Cloneyhurke National School?
Cloneyhurke National School has 18 pupils enrolled, 4 girls and 14 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Cloneyhurke National School a DEIS school?
No. Cloneyhurke 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 Cloneyhurke National School?
Cloneyhurke National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.