Durrow National School
TULLAMORE, Offaly
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 197 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 102 girls, 95 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17508H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Durrow National School is a Catholic, co‑educational primary school situated in the tranquil rural setting of Durrow, approximately 8 km north of Tullamore, County Offaly. The school’s ethos centres on the holistic and harmonious development of each pupil, fostering academic achievement alongside social, emotional, cognitive, physical, cultural and spiritual growth. A caring, inclusive and secure atmosphere is promoted through a collaborative community of pupils, parents, staff and the board of management, ensuring every child feels valued and cherished. The present school building, erected in 1945 to replace an 1880 structure, offers a bright, welcoming environment equipped with modern learning resources. Every classroom features digital interactive touch‑screens, supporting contemporary teaching methods. Outside, a superb all‑weather play area and a versatile hall provide space for sport, games and cultural activities. The school’s facilities are designed to be safe and happy, encouraging exploration of Irish music, folklore and Christian traditions while maintaining high academic standards.
History
Scoil Naomh Colmcille has roots dating back to the 6th century when Saint Colmcille founded a church in the Durrow area. Over the centuries the school has evolved, with the current building constructed in 1945 and later extensions adding eight mainstream classes, one special class, an administrative principal, four special‑education teachers and four special‑needs assistants. Christian traditions and a love of Irish music, culture and games continue to shape school activities, and the institution has long been associated with solid academic standards.
Applying to Durrow 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 Durrow 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 Durrow National School
How many pupils attend Durrow National School?
Durrow National School has 197 pupils enrolled, 102 girls and 95 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Durrow National School a DEIS school?
No. Durrow 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 Durrow National School?
Durrow National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.