Garracloon National School
Cloghans, Mayo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 25 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 11 girls, 14 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 06852L the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Garracloon National School is a co‑educational, Catholic primary school situated in a scenic rural setting near Lough Conn, approximately 2.5 miles from Ballina town in County Mayo. The school provides a well‑ordered, caring and secure environment that promotes respect for people and property, encourages responsibility and nurtures the self‑esteem of every pupil. While rooted in a Catholic ethos, the school recognises and respects all other religions, fostering an inclusive community for children, staff and ancillary personnel. The school operates with a small teaching team supported by a shared special‑education teacher, allowing for personalised attention across junior and senior classes. Facilities include a large, recently resurfaced tarmac yard, a dedicated soft‑play area for younger children (with plans for artificial grass), and a full‑size football pitch with goalposts. Recent upgrades under the Summer Works Scheme have added new windows, doors and a modernised building envelope, while the original 1855 structure remains in active use alongside new classrooms added in 2003. Learning is enriched by using the surrounding natural environment and local resources as teaching tools, reinforcing the school’s commitment to experiential, community‑linked education.
History
Scoil Naomh Padraig, now known as Garracloon National School, was built by the Earl of Arran in 1855 and officially opened as a national school on 28 February 1858. In 1882 the school was handed over to Rev. John Conmy, the Administrator of Backs. Separate schools for boys and girls operated until 1920. Over the years the school saw the introduction of indoor toilets in 1969 and central heating in 1976. The original building has remained in use, with additional classrooms added in 2003.
Applying to Garracloon 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 Garracloon 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 Garracloon National School
How many pupils attend Garracloon National School?
Garracloon National School has 25 pupils enrolled, 11 girls and 14 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Garracloon National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Garracloon 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 Garracloon National School?
Garracloon National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.