Dromclough National School
Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 51 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 23 girls, 28 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16246V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Dromclough National School is a small, rural, mixed‑gender primary school situated in the picturesque Mealagh Valley, West Cork, approximately eight kilometres from Bantry town centre. Catering for children from Junior Infants to Sixth Class, the school operates with a two‑teacher model complemented by a full‑time secretary/classroom assistant and a shared Special Education teacher who visits daily. This intimate setting enables the school to tailor learning experiences to the individual needs of each pupil, fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where wellbeing is prioritised. The educational approach balances the core curriculum prescribed by the Department of Education and Science with a strong emphasis on the arts, music, drama, science, nature, sport and information‑communication technology. Multi‑class arrangements encourage older pupils to mentor younger ones, promoting cooperation, independence and peer‑led learning. Outdoor and indoor spaces are used extensively for play and experiential activities, reinforcing the school’s commitment to a cheerful, caring atmosphere that nurtures intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural development.
Applying to Dromclough 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.
School-published admissions links
These links come from the school's published admissions material. Check the school year shown before relying on dates or place numbers.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Dromclough 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 Dromclough National School
How many pupils attend Dromclough National School?
Dromclough National School has 51 pupils enrolled, 23 girls and 28 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Dromclough National School a DEIS school?
No. Dromclough 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 Dromclough National School?
Dromclough National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.