Owenbeg National School
Culleens, Sligo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 36 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 18 girls, 18 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 03924S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Owenbeg National School is a small, rural primary school that has been a focal point of the Owenbeg community since 1837. Situated near the little river that gives the school its name, the school operates under the patronage of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Killala and serves children from the surrounding area with a strong emphasis on inclusive, child‑centred education. The school provides a mainstream curriculum complemented by dedicated learning‑support and resource provision, including an autism class and two special‑needs assistants, ensuring that every pupil can progress towards their full potential in a supportive environment. The educational approach prioritises a positive and happy learning experience, using respectful language and praise‑based behaviour management. Pupils regularly engage in collaborative, cross‑curricular projects that develop teamwork and communication skills. Recent initiatives such as the Curious Minds Platinum Award in STEM, Wellbeing Mornings featuring creative arts and yoga, and a vibrant programme of music, sport and extracurricular activities demonstrate the school’s commitment to holistic development. Facilities include separate junior and senior rooms, specialised resource areas, and access to a range of learning resources that support both academic and personal growth.
History
Owenbeg National School has been central to the community of Owenbeg since 1837, taking its name from the nearby river that flows into the sea at Kilbane near Easkey Village. The school operates under the patronage of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Killala.
Applying to Owenbeg 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 Owenbeg 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 Owenbeg National School
How many pupils attend Owenbeg National School?
Owenbeg National School has 36 pupils enrolled, 18 girls and 18 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Owenbeg National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Owenbeg 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 Owenbeg National School?
Owenbeg National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.