Mullagh National School
Ennis, Clare
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 53 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 20 girls, 33 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 03928D the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Mullagh National School is a Catholic, co‑educational primary school serving children from Junior Infants to 6th class in the Kilmurry Ibrickane Parish, West Clare. Set against the striking backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, the school embraces an inclusive ethos, operating under the patronage of the Bishop of Killaloe and participating in the DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) programme to promote educational inclusion for all pupils, including a dedicated Special Class for children on the autism spectrum. The learning environment is modern and well‑resourced, featuring spacious classrooms equipped with interactive MiTouch boards, a suite of computers and tablets, a bright PE hall, an Astroturf pitch, a sensory room and additional specialist spaces. These facilities support a broad curriculum that nurtures the spiritual, moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, social and cultural development of each child, while encouraging respect for Irish citizenship, gender equity and the Irish language. A strong sense of community underpins school life, with regular events such as music and dance seisiúns, art competitions, charitable initiatives and partnerships with local organisations, fostering a caring, happy and secure atmosphere for pupils to thrive.
History
Mullagh N.S. was formally initiated on 11 March 1844 and opened on 22 May 1846 with two classrooms. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries enrolments hovered between 80 and 100 pupils. A decline occurred during the 1940s‑1960s due to emigration, but local determination kept the school open. The 1970s saw reverse migration, Ireland’s entry into the EEC and a more favourable economy, prompting a resurgence from the mid‑1980s. Successive boards of management oversaw modernisation: new toilet blocks and a basketball court were added, an extra room in 1990, prefabricated classrooms, an enhanced play area, refurbished resource and computer rooms in 2004, and a major extension in 2008 comprising two classrooms, a multi‑purpose hall and the principal’s office. An Astroturf pitch was later installed, providing today’s pupils with excellent learning and sporting facilities.
Applying to Mullagh 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 Mullagh 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 Mullagh National School
How many pupils attend Mullagh National School?
Mullagh National School has 53 pupils enrolled, 20 girls and 33 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Mullagh National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Mullagh 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 Mullagh National School?
Mullagh National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.