Garryhill National School
Muinebheag, Carlow
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 34 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 17 girls, 17 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17096K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Garryhill National School is a small, mixed‑gender primary school situated in the parish of Bagenalstown, County Carlow, set against the scenic foothills of Mount Leinster. Operating under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, the school delivers the Department of Education and Science curriculum to eight classes ranging from Junior Infants to Sixth Class. The learning environment is modern and well‑equipped, with a focus on providing appropriate teaching aids and resources to support a broad and balanced education. The school places a strong emphasis on extra‑curricular provision, offering swimming lessons, music tuition and a variety of outings funded through the Dedicated Irish Schools’ Grant (DING). These activities complement the academic programme and aim to develop pupils’ social, cultural and physical skills. Although the staff team is modest, the school benefits from additional support such as a visiting learning support teacher and a visiting music teacher, ensuring that individual learning needs are met within a nurturing community atmosphere.
History
The present school building was opened in 1936, but education in Garryhill dates back to pre‑Famine times when a National and Agricultural school operated on the site. In the 1840s, hedge‑school master Loughlin Ryan taught there until his retirement in 1886, after which his descendants continued the teaching tradition. The Ryan family contributed significantly to the school’s cultural life, notably forming a flageolet band in 1943 that performed throughout Carlow and Wexford. In 1983, a great‑great‑grandson of Loughlin returned to teach, marking a century since the elder Ryan’s retirement. Today the school continues as a vibrant modern centre of learning, building on its rich heritage.
Applying to Garryhill 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 Garryhill 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 Garryhill National School
How many pupils attend Garryhill National School?
Garryhill National School has 34 pupils enrolled, 17 girls and 17 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Garryhill National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Garryhill 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 Garryhill National School?
Garryhill National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.