Gortskehy National School
Hollymount, Mayo
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 75 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 32 girls, 43 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18880J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gortskehy National School is a five‑teacher primary school situated in the parish of Roundfort, County Mayo. Established in 1887, the school provides a welcoming, homely atmosphere and a stimulating learning environment for children from Junior Infants to Sixth Class. The curriculum is broad and balanced, aiming to promote personal achievement through high academic standards, respectful behaviour and opportunities for creative and technological exploration. Pupils engage with computer programming, film‑making and digital media, benefitting from a school‑wide provision of Fizzbook netbooks and the distinction of being the first Irish primary school to have student video work featured on An Lár TV, a community channel for the Irish diaspora. Sport and cultural activities form a vital part of school life. Teams compete in football, soccer and spikeball, with notable successes in county competitions, while Irish dancing, swimming and participation in Scór na nÓg enrich the cultural programme. The school also supports cross‑border collaborations, having performed with the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland and taking part in various European exchange projects. Parents can enrol children online, access an extensive Individual Pupil Archive, and use a secure online payment system for bus fees, book rentals and other services.
History
Gortskehy National School was founded in 1887. The original building was replaced by a new structure completed in 1964, and a major renovation and extension was carried out in 2017. Throughout its history the school has maintained a focus on high standards of work, personal behaviour and respect, evolving its facilities and programmes to support a broad, balanced education for the local community.
Applying to Gortskehy 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 Gortskehy 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 Gortskehy National School
How many pupils attend Gortskehy National School?
Gortskehy National School has 75 pupils enrolled, 32 girls and 43 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gortskehy National School a DEIS school?
No. Gortskehy 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 Gortskehy National School?
Gortskehy National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.