Lisdoonvarna National School
Lisdoonvarna, Clare
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 143 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 68 girls, 75 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19700J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Enda’s National School (Scoil Éinde Naofa) is a co‑educational primary school situated in the heart of Lisdoonvarna, County Clare. It serves the parish of Lisdoonvarna and Kilshanny and provides education for children from Junior Infants through to Sixth Class. The school operates with a team of six mainstream teachers, a learning‑support teacher and a part‑time resource teacher, supported by a secretary, caretaker and cleaner. Its mission is to deliver a high‑quality education that enables every pupil to achieve their full potential, fostering respect, curiosity and a love of learning. The school benefits from a range of modern facilities that enhance both academic and extracurricular life. Recent upgrades include double‑glazed doors and windows for improved comfort and energy efficiency, wheelchair‑accessible toilets, and a fully refurbished toilet block with low‑level cisterns and motion‑sensor lighting. An all‑weather Astro‑turf pitch, an active playground with colourful yard markings, and an Aistear‑styled play area encourage physical activity and imaginative play. Dedicated resource and learning‑support rooms provide additional assistance for pupils who need it, reflecting the school’s inclusive ethos. A strong Parents’ Association and an active Board of Management underpin a collaborative community spirit.
History
The first school on the present site was erected in 1844 after landlord Pierce Creagh secured permission from the Commissioners of National Education, locating the school near the bustling Lisdoonvarna spas. Earlier hedge schools existed at Raymore and Ballycannoe, and the town’s growth in the 19th century increased demand for education. A new school was built in 1897, both schools being known as Rathbane. Following Irish independence, Irish was introduced into the curriculum and the school was divided into separate boys’ and girls’ sections. In 1955 a modern four‑teacher school with indoor toilets, Scoil Éinde, Lios Duin Bhearna, was completed and remains in use. Subsequent improvements include a 2002 infant toilet block and electrical upgrades, a 2003 resource and learning‑support room, wheelchair‑accessible toilets in 2006, double‑glazed windows and doors in 2015, a comprehensive toilet refurbishment in 2017, the addition of an Astro‑turf pitch in 2018‑19, and a revitalised playground and Aistear play area in 2019.
Applying to Lisdoonvarna 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 Lisdoonvarna 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 Lisdoonvarna National School
How many pupils attend Lisdoonvarna National School?
Lisdoonvarna National School has 143 pupils enrolled, 68 girls and 75 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Lisdoonvarna National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Lisdoonvarna 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 Lisdoonvarna National School?
Lisdoonvarna National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.