Gortnacart National School
Ardara, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 16 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 6 girls, 10 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 15554E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gortnacart National School is a small, co‑educational Catholic primary school set on an elevated rural site two miles from Ardara village, surrounded by hills and fields. The school provides a well‑ordered, caring and secure environment that nurtures the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural development of its pupils. While its ethos is Catholic, the school recognises and respects children of all faiths or none, fostering an inclusive community. The teaching team comprises two mainstream teachers, a learning‑support teacher and a secretary, shared with neighbouring schools, together with a Special Needs Assistant and resource teachers who support individual learning needs. The natural surroundings are incorporated into the curriculum, encouraging outdoor learning and a strong connection with the local environment. The school’s motto, “Déan do dhícheall i gcónaí” (always do your best), underpins its commitment to high standards and personal growth for every child.
History
Gortnacart National School was built in 1909 to replace an earlier school across the road. The land for the new building was donated by Mary and Francis Shovlin, who had recently returned from America. Although the foundations were initially excavated close to the main Ardara‑Glenties road, the school was ultimately erected further back on a small elevated site. Stonemason James Sweeney constructed the building, with voluntary labour supplied by local parents. Since its opening, over 800 children have attended, and the school has been led by a succession of principals, including a Master, Mrs Kathleen O, and Mrs Bríd.
Applying to Gortnacart 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 Gortnacart 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 Gortnacart National School
How many pupils attend Gortnacart National School?
Gortnacart National School has 16 pupils enrolled, 6 girls and 10 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gortnacart National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Gortnacart 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 Gortnacart National School?
Gortnacart National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.