Glinsk National School
Galway
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 74 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 33 girls, 41 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19841E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Glinsk National School is a small rural primary school in east Galway, catering for 74 pupils across four multi‑grade classrooms. With a team of five teachers, the school maintains high standards of positive behaviour and academic achievement, offering a broad curriculum that includes literacy, numeracy, music, art, sport, Gaeilge and a range of extracurricular projects such as engineering challenges and cultural activities. Modern, welcoming facilities support a variety of learning experiences, from indoor lessons to outdoor play areas, and the school’s ethos promotes a safe, inclusive environment where each child can thrive. The school places a strong emphasis on a positive school climate rooted in core Christian values of respect, love and honesty. Teaching is underpinned by the belief that children learn best when they feel respected and are encouraged through positive reinforcement. The community‑focused approach seeks to develop well‑rounded, confident individuals who leave with a “hoard of happy memories” and the skills to reach their full potential.
History
Glinsk National School opened in 1983 following the closure and amalgamation of three local schools – Toberroe NS, Ballinacurry NS and Sonagh NS. The school began with a staff of six and has since seen enrolment fall, reducing the teaching team to three. It operates as a Roman Catholic school under the patronage of the Bishop of Elphin.
Applying to Glinsk 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 Glinsk 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 Glinsk National School
How many pupils attend Glinsk National School?
Glinsk National School has 74 pupils enrolled, 33 girls and 41 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Glinsk National School a DEIS school?
No. Glinsk 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 Glinsk National School?
Glinsk National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.