Loch An Ghair National School
Mullingar, Westmeath
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 208 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 109 girls, 99 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18812P the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Mhuire, Loch an Gháir, is a rural Catholic co‑educational primary school situated in Loughegar, about six kilometres north of Mullingar, County Westmeath. The school provides a nurturing, safe and happy environment where pupils are encouraged to develop academically, socially, creatively and spiritually. Its educational ethos is holistic, aiming to foster the intellectual, physical, cultural, moral and spiritual growth of each child, guided by the school motto *Mol an Óige* (“Encourage the Young”). The modern, purpose‑built campus, completed in 2011, comprises eight well‑lit classrooms equipped with interactive panels and iPads to support contemporary teaching and learning. Facilities include a contemporary sports hall, dedicated special‑education rooms, an outdoor classroom, extensive grass and tarmac play areas, and a junior playground. These resources, together with a strong focus on inclusive education and community involvement, enable the school to offer a broad, balanced programme that meets the diverse needs of its 208 pupils.
History
The current eight‑classroom building of Scoil Mhuire was completed in 2011, providing a modern, purpose‑built environment for primary education in the Loughegar area. Since then the school has expanded its facilities and programmes to serve a wide catchment of families, maintaining its Catholic ethos and commitment to holistic child development.
Applying to Loch An Ghair 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 Loch An Ghair 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 Loch An Ghair National School
How many pupils attend Loch An Ghair National School?
Loch An Ghair National School has 208 pupils enrolled, 109 girls and 99 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Loch An Ghair National School a DEIS school?
No. Loch An Ghair 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 Loch An Ghair National School?
Loch An Ghair National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.