O Callaghans Mills National School
O'Callaghan's Mills, Clare
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 29 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 13 girls, 16 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 05253H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St Patrick’s National School, officially known as O Callaghan Mills National School, is a primary education institution situated in the rural village of O Callaghan Mills, County Clare. The school serves the local community from its address in Lissane and operates under the Irish national school system, providing education to children in the early years of formal schooling. Its modest roll number (05253H) reflects a close‑knit environment where pupils benefit from personalised attention and strong community ties. The school follows the Irish national curriculum, aiming to deliver a balanced programme of academic learning, cultural enrichment and personal development. Emphasis is placed on fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages curiosity, critical thinking and respect for Irish heritage, as reflected in the school’s dedication to St Patrick as its patron. Learning spaces are organised to accommodate a range of subjects, and the school’s setting within a rural parish offers opportunities for outdoor activities and community involvement. Key features of O Callaghan Mills National School include its commitment to small‑class teaching, active engagement with families, and the provision of a safe, welcoming environment for young learners. The school’s location in County Clare allows it to integrate local cultural traditions into its educational experience, reinforcing a sense of identity and belonging among its pupils.
Applying to O Callaghans Mills 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 O Callaghans Mills 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 O Callaghans Mills National School
How many pupils attend O Callaghans Mills National School?
O Callaghans Mills National School has 29 pupils enrolled, 13 girls and 16 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is O Callaghans Mills National School a DEIS school?
No. O Callaghans Mills 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 O Callaghans Mills National School?
O Callaghans Mills National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.