Clonmany Mixed National School
Lifford, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 132 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 72 girls, 60 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16642G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Clonmany Mixed National School is a rural, co‑educational primary school situated in the village of Clonmany, County Donegal. The school serves a close‑knit community of approximately 130 pupils and prides itself on a warm, welcoming atmosphere fostered by an active Parents Association, a dedicated Board of Management and strong local involvement. A broad curriculum is delivered within an inclusive ethos, with dedicated support for learners with special educational needs, including autism and additional language support, and a range of extra‑curricular activities that enrich pupil experience. The school moved into a purpose‑built two‑storey facility in August 2009. The modern complex comprises eight classrooms, a learning‑support room, a gym hall, a PE storage area, a resource room, a library, and separate offices for the principal and administration. Outdoor learning spaces, including an outdoor classroom and well‑marked playground, enhance the learning environment. A team of special needs assistants, a classroom assistant and support staff work alongside teachers to ensure personalised learning pathways for all children.
History
The first national school in Clonmany opened in 1836, initially operating separate boys’ and girls’ schools. Early leadership saw a succession of principals, including the Maginnis, Doherty and McCloskey families, and later figures such as Master Maloney and Patrick Kavanagh, who served until 1973. A new school building was erected on the original site in 1924, but quickly proved inadequate, leading to the construction of two three‑room schools opened in 1953. The boys’ and girls’ schools were amalgamated before 1973, after which the school experienced periods of fluctuating enrolment and staff changes. In August 2009 the school relocated to a modern two‑storey building with expanded facilities, and further leadership transitions continued into the 2010s, with a new principal appointed in February 2013.
Applying to Clonmany Mixed 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 Clonmany Mixed 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 Clonmany Mixed National School
How many pupils attend Clonmany Mixed National School?
Clonmany Mixed National School has 132 pupils enrolled, 72 girls and 60 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Clonmany Mixed National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Clonmany Mixed 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 Clonmany Mixed National School?
Clonmany Mixed National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.