Cloonlyon National School
Charlestown, Mayo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 28 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 13 girls, 15 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 12936D the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Cloonlyon National School is a small, rural primary school situated in Cloonlyon village, East Mayo, serving children from Junior to Sixth Class. The school operates a two‑teacher model complemented by two Special Education Teachers and part‑time support staff, fostering a low‑student‑to‑staff ratio that enables personalised learning and strong pastoral care. Classrooms are equipped with modern technology and the school benefits from a range of dedicated spaces, including a General Purpose room, two Learning Support/Resource rooms, and specialised SET rooms. Outdoor facilities comprise two main yards, a grass pitch, a climbing frame with a soft‑tar surface, a basketball court, a handball wall, and a vegetable garden, supporting both physical activity and experiential learning. The school places a strong emphasis on holistic development, integrating creative projects such as art workshops and podcasting, and promoting wellbeing through initiatives like the Creative Schools programme and Active Schools flag. Environmental stewardship is a core value, reflected in its long‑standing Green Schools Flag achievements, while digital excellence is recognised by the Digital Schools of Distinction award. Since 2023 the school also provides hot lunches, offering a varied menu that enhances the daily routine for pupils.
History
The original school building was erected on the present site in 1887, replacing an earlier 1840s structure. Initially operating as separate boys’ and girls’ schools, the two sections amalgamated in 1943. The centenary was celebrated in 1987 with a published history, and the 125th anniversary was marked in 2012‑13. A major extension was completed in August 2007 and officially opened on 20 June 2008 by the Bishop of Achonry. The school has since continued to develop its facilities and programmes.
Applying to Cloonlyon 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.
School-published admissions links
These links come from the school's published admissions material. Check the school year shown before relying on dates or place numbers.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Cloonlyon 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 Cloonlyon National School
How many pupils attend Cloonlyon National School?
Cloonlyon National School has 28 pupils enrolled, 13 girls and 15 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Cloonlyon National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Cloonlyon 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 Cloonlyon National School?
Cloonlyon National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.