Knockanillo National School
Mayo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 28 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 11 girls, 17 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16562I the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Knockanillo National School is a mixed Catholic primary school serving junior infants to 6th class in Ballina, Co. Mayo. Operating under the patronage of Archbishop Francis Duffy, the school is part of the DEIS rural initiative, which provides additional resources such as a school meals programme, planning supports and professional development opportunities. The ethos centres on creating a stimulating, safe and inclusive environment where pupils are encouraged, engaged and challenged to become confident, appreciative, independent and creative learners. A broad and balanced curriculum is delivered to help every child achieve their fullest potential. The school benefits from a range of well‑maintained facilities. A thriving school garden showcases native Irish trees such as oak, strawberry tree and mountain ash, alongside three raised beds used for potatoes, onions, scallions and wildflowers, and a garden nursery. Recent building works have added a large general‑purpose classroom and a dedicated staffroom/office, while extra car parking was created in 2017. These physical resources complement the school’s commitment to holistic education and community involvement.
History
The present school building was erected in 1918 after the original school on a different site was destroyed by fire in November 1912. Stones from the original structure were incorporated into the new building, which originally featured two entrance halls, two interconnecting classrooms, a turf shed and dry toilets. Subsequent upgrades included the addition of storage heaters and furniture in the 1970s, the installation of central heating and a new roof in the 1980s‑1990s, a large classroom/general‑purpose room and staffroom extension in 2006, and the development of extra car parking in 2017.
Applying to Knockanillo 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 Knockanillo 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 Knockanillo National School
How many pupils attend Knockanillo National School?
Knockanillo National School has 28 pupils enrolled, 11 girls and 17 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Knockanillo National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Knockanillo 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 Knockanillo National School?
Knockanillo National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.