Lisdoonan National School
Carrickmacross, Monaghan
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 150 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 72 girls, 78 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 15143G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Lisdoonan National School is a co‑educational primary school under the patronage of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Clogher, serving the village of Lisdoonan in County Monaghan and the surrounding rural community. With an enrolment of approximately 155 pupils, the school prides itself on a balanced programme that nurtures spiritual, intellectual, emotional and social development. A strong tradition of teaching and learning is complemented by a vibrant focus on sport and music, providing pupils with a well‑rounded experience in a safe and secure environment that accommodates a range of abilities and needs. The school’s facilities have evolved considerably over time. Major refurbishments have introduced oil‑fired central heating, modern carpeted floors, updated furniture and indoor toilet facilities. Additions include prefabricated classrooms (1987, 1990), a dedicated learning support room, a purpose‑built GP room and a new staffroom (2012/13). In 2008 two further classrooms with adjoining toilets were added, and a 2023 Department of Education extension provided two mainstream classrooms, two SEN classrooms and a SET room, ensuring contemporary learning spaces for all pupils.
History
Evidence of a Hedge School predates the National School System in Lisdoonan. The National School itself was founded in December 1831 under the tutelage of P. Duffy, originally operating in a one‑room, multi‑denominational building that accommodated 120 boys and 70 girls. In 1900 a new two‑room slated building opened on the present Drumlurg site as Lisdoonan Vested School (roll 15143G). The school became a two‑teacher institution in 1953 with 68 pupils, recorded its lowest roll of 48 in 1982, and expanded staff numbers throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Significant building upgrades occurred in 1968, the early 1970s, 1985, and later with prefabs, a learning support room (1997), and further classroom extensions in 2008, 2012/13 and 2023. The first Board of Management was established in October 1975, and the school has remained independent despite proposals for amalgamation in the late 1970s.
Applying to Lisdoonan 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 Lisdoonan 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 Lisdoonan National School
How many pupils attend Lisdoonan National School?
Lisdoonan National School has 150 pupils enrolled, 72 girls and 78 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Lisdoonan National School a DEIS school?
No. Lisdoonan 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 Lisdoonan National School?
Lisdoonan National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.