Cloontagh National School
Clonmany, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 96 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 37 girls, 59 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17180W the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Cloontagh National School is a small, rural primary school situated in the picturesque village of Cloontagh on the Inishowen peninsula. Set against the rolling hills of Clonmany parish, the school enjoys panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean at Tullagh Bay, providing a tranquil and inspiring backdrop for learning. The close‑knit community spirit is evident, with many pupils having parents or grandparents who previously attended the school, creating a warm, family‑like atmosphere that supports continuity and belonging. The school caters for children aged four to twelve, delivering the full Primary School Curriculum within a faith‑based framework. Christian values are woven throughout daily life, reflected in regular prayer, participation in the Liturgy of the Mass, the sacraments and a dedicated programme of Religious Instruction. Staff are committed to effective teaching across all subjects, fostering a safe and happy environment that promotes spiritual, physical, intellectual, social and emotional development. Special needs are respected, with an emphasis on recognising each child’s uniqueness and encouraging personal fulfilment. Strong parental involvement is encouraged, recognising parents as the first educators. The school welcomes visitors, promotes friendliness and co‑operation, and strives to create a supportive setting where children can thrive academically while being nurtured by the surrounding natural beauty and community ethos.
Applying to Cloontagh 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 Cloontagh 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 Cloontagh National School
How many pupils attend Cloontagh National School?
Cloontagh National School has 96 pupils enrolled, 37 girls and 59 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Cloontagh National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Cloontagh 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 National School?
Cloontagh National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.