Craggagh National School
Balla, Mayo
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 19 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 4 girls, 15 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 12467R the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Craggagh National School is a small, three‑teacher, co‑educational primary school situated in the heart of County Mayo, roughly midway between the towns of Kiltimagh and Balla. Despite its modest size, the school offers a vibrant learning environment that balances a strong academic programme with a rich programme of extracurricular activities. Classrooms are equipped to support the Irish curriculum, and the school makes use of a virtual tour to showcase its facilities to prospective families. Emphasis is placed on fostering a supportive community where pupils are encouraged to develop confidence, creativity and a love of learning. The school’s calendar is filled with a diverse range of events, including music workshops, Irish dancing, drama productions, science fairs, sports days and charitable bake sales. Regular visits from notable guests such as political and sporting figures highlight the school’s strong links with the wider community. An active Parent Association and a dedicated blog keep families informed and involved, while online resources such as an absent‑note system and policy documents streamline day‑to‑day administration.
History
Craggagh National School was established in 1884. The building was put up by Very Rev. Matthias Leonard, then Parish Priest of Kiltimagh, on a site taken from the Sir Compton Domville Estate, and originally held two separate schools, a Girls' National School upstairs and a Boys' National School on the ground floor. Amalgamation of the two schools took place on 1st January 1938. In 1941 the building underwent renovations, including new concrete stairs, toilets, chimneystacks and entrance doors. Further work took place from 1969 to 1970, supervised by local contractor Mr. Eamon Higgins, and included play shelters, a central heating system and a tarmacadam yard. In June 1984 the school celebrated its centenary. A 1992 extension added a staff room, a remedial room and new toilets.
Applying to Craggagh 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 Craggagh 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 Craggagh National School
How many pupils attend Craggagh National School?
Craggagh National School has 19 pupils enrolled, 4 girls and 15 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Craggagh National School a DEIS school?
No. Craggagh 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 Craggagh National School?
Craggagh National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.