Cloontagh Mixed National School
Killashee, Longford
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 14 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 5 girls, 9 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 14650S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Cloontagh Mixed National School is a small, two‑teacher rural primary school situated in Killashee Parish, operating under a Catholic ethos and the patronage of the local bishop. The school prides itself on small class groupings that allow personalised attention, fostering each child’s spiritual, emotional, academic and physical development in line with its holistic mission statement. A strong emphasis is placed on dignity, mutual respect and self‑directed learning, encouraging pupils to become confident, lifelong learners. The learning environment is well‑resourced, with up‑to‑date ICT facilities and a range of subject‑specific materials. Recent enhancements include a prefabricated classroom with modern toilets, a well‑equipped yard featuring basketball hoops, a climbing frame, soft‑play area and vegetable beds beneath an oak tree. A vibrant Parents’ Association and an active Board of Management support extra‑curricular activities and school initiatives, while a pupil committee ensures that student voices are heard in daily school life.
History
The original Cloontaghmore school was erected in 1833 by Thomas Clarke Builders on land donated by the McGaver family, comprising a two‑storey building with separate classrooms for girls (first floor) and boys (ground floor) heated by stoves. The present Cloontaghmore National School was constructed in 1895 with two classrooms, celebrating its centenary in 1995; it was built by McNallys of Killoe. Extensions in 1964 added cloakrooms and toilets, and a prefabricated classroom with additional facilities was added in 2003. Recent years have seen further yard improvements, including sports equipment, a climbing frame, soft‑play area and vegetable beds, reflecting the school’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the learning environment.
Applying to Cloontagh 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
View Cloontagh Mixed 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 Cloontagh Mixed 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 Cloontagh Mixed National School
How many pupils attend Cloontagh Mixed National School?
Cloontagh Mixed National School has 14 pupils enrolled, 5 girls and 9 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Cloontagh Mixed National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Cloontagh 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 Cloontagh Mixed National School?
Cloontagh Mixed National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.