Curracloe National School
Enniscorthy, Wexford
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 73 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 34 girls, 39 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 14492D the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Curracloe National School offers a nurturing, child‑centred environment where small class sizes enable personalised learning and the development of each pupil’s potential. The school places a strong emphasis on well‑being, mutual respect and openness, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that supports both academic progress and social growth. Modern facilities are designed to meet individual needs, including interactive whiteboards in every classroom, a large indoor sports hall, a sensory room and an outdoor classroom that encourages experiential learning. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Curracloe seaside, the campus benefits from fresh sea air and easy access to sandy beaches. A range of outdoor spaces – basketball courts, sports fields, a playground, a fairy garden, a quiet area and a climbing frame – provide ample opportunities for physical activity and play. The school’s commitment to holistic development is reflected in its achievements such as the Active School Flag, Junior Entrepreneur Flag, Green Schools Flag, Daily Mile Flag and a European Citizens Award, as well as participation in EU‑funded projects aimed at bridging the digital divide.
History
The first National School in Curracloe dates back to 1852, housed in a thatched single‑room building that accommodated up to 90 pupils. Mr Laurence Kavanagh was appointed the inaugural principal that September. In 1894 a new two‑room school was constructed in the village, operating without electricity or running water until the late 1960s, when indoor toilets replaced the original dry facilities. A proposed closure and amalgamation with Castlebridge NS in 1970 was successfully resisted by the local community, leading to continued growth and the addition of a third teacher and a prefabricated classroom in the 1970s. The present St Margaret’s National School opened in 1985, and the former 1894 building now serves as a community centre and playschool. The last principal of the historic site was Mr Conal McBride.
Applying to Curracloe 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 Curracloe 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 Curracloe National School
How many pupils attend Curracloe National School?
Curracloe National School has 73 pupils enrolled, 34 girls and 39 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Curracloe National School a DEIS school?
No. Curracloe 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 Curracloe National School?
Curracloe National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.