Niall Mor National School
Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 240 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 122 girls, 118 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 11843O the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Niall Mór National School is a Catholic, co‑educational primary school situated in Killybegs, County Donegal, serving children from Junior Infants through 6th Class. The school provides a well‑ordered, caring and secure environment that attends to the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural development of each pupil. While rooted in a Catholic ethos, the school welcomes children of all religious backgrounds and promotes gender equity, parental partnership and the professional growth of its staff. Irish language use is encouraged as part of preserving the rich heritage of the nation. The school’s facilities have expanded considerably since its founding. A modern building, first opened in 1965, has been extended in 1991, 2011 and 2013, adding five new classrooms, additional office space and a purpose‑built multi‑purpose centre designed to meet the needs of children with autism. The curriculum is supported by specialised provision, including two speech‑and‑language classes, a Multiple Disabilities class and an Autism class, staffed by dedicated Special Educational Needs teachers, assistants and an HSE‑appointed Speech and Language Therapist. Extra‑curricular programmes such as the Active Flag and Green Flag initiatives, a vibrant Parents Association and a comprehensive calendar of events further enrich the school community.
History
Niall Mór National School was established in 1879, making it the oldest school in Killybegs. The school moved to a new building across the road from the original site in 1965. Subsequent growth saw a large extension added in 1991, providing five additional classrooms. Further extensions were completed in 2011 (additional classroom and offices) and in 2013 (a new multi‑purpose facility to support children with autism).
Applying to Niall Mor 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 Niall Mor 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 Niall Mor National School
How many pupils attend Niall Mor National School?
Niall Mor National School has 240 pupils enrolled, 122 girls and 118 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Niall Mor National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Niall Mor 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 Niall Mor National School?
Niall Mor National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.