Differeen National School
Manorhamilton, Leitrim
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 33 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 14 girls, 19 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17125O the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Diffreen National School is a rural, co‑educational primary school situated in the parish of Cloonclare‑Killasnett, north County Leitrim, on the N16 between Manorhamilton and Sligo. As a DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) institution under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Kilmore, the school delivers the Irish primary curriculum with a strong emphasis on holistic development. Pupils from Junior Infants to 6th class learn in two collaborative classrooms – a Junior Room and a Senior Room – allowing for small class sizes and personalised attention to each child’s academic, social, emotional, spiritual and physical growth. The school’s facilities have been progressively modernised. Original 1930s classrooms were expanded in 2006 with two bright, contemporary rooms, and extensive interior renovations in 2011 added a dedicated SET (Special Educational Needs) classroom, a refreshed staff room and a new principal’s office. A state‑of‑the‑art astro‑turf football pitch, the first purpose‑built surface of its kind for a Leitrim primary school, was also installed in 2011, supporting a vibrant programme of sports and extra‑curricular activities. The school’s inclusive ethos is reflected in its strong community links, active parental involvement, and a broad, balanced curriculum that spans the arts, sports and core academic subjects.
History
The present Diffreen National School (Roll No. 171250) was constructed in 1936 and officially opened on 24 April 1939, consolidating pupils from the earlier Glasrrumman school (opened 1870) and the original Diffreen school (opened 1882). The original building featured two modern classrooms, separate cloakrooms and gender‑specific playgrounds. In 2006 the school was extended with two additional classrooms, and in 2011 extensive interior renovations were completed, including a new staff room, a specialised SET classroom and a principal’s office. That same year a modern astro‑turf football pitch was added, marking a significant community‑driven development. Throughout its history the school has remained a Catholic institution under the Bishop of Kilmore and participates in the DEIS programme to promote equity in education.
Applying to Differeen 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 Differeen 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 Differeen National School
How many pupils attend Differeen National School?
Differeen National School has 33 pupils enrolled, 14 girls and 19 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Differeen National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Differeen 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 Differeen National School?
Differeen National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.