Rockmount Mixed National School
Miltown Malbay, Clare
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 23 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 9 girls, 14 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 09390O the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Rockmount Mixed National School is a small, vibrant rural primary school situated five kilometres outside the picturesque town of Miltown Malbay in County Clare. Set against a backdrop of rolling countryside and offering panoramic views of the Atlantic, the Shannon, the Cliffs of Moher and the surrounding mountain ranges, the school provides an inspiring environment for children to learn, play and develop. The close‑knit community ethos means each pupil is known individually, allowing staff to deliver personalised support that nurtures academic progress alongside social and personal growth. Core values such as kindness, respect and responsibility are woven into everyday life, fostering a caring atmosphere where every child can thrive. The school embraces modern educational practice through the integration of digital technology, including interactive whiteboards and specialised educational software, to enhance classroom learning and prepare students for a technology‑driven future. Recent investment has resulted in a spacious indoor hall (added in 2019) and a well‑maintained playing pitch, providing ample facilities for both curricular and extracurricular activities. Strong partnerships between the Board of Management, parents and the wider community underpin a collaborative approach that enriches the educational experience and reinforces the school’s role as a focal point of the local area.
History
Rockmount Mixed National School was constructed in 1864 at a cost of £416, using locally quarried stone, and opened its doors in 1865 to serve up to 150 children. It replaced the earlier Ballinoe National School and a hedge school in Carrowkeel (Ballyvaskin). Initially, separate boys’ and girls’ schools operated on the site, each with its own teachers, before amalgamating on 1 January 1936 under a single principal. Notable historic features included stone troughs in the hallways used as foot‑baths for bare‑footed pupils. The school sits approximately 600 feet (200 m) above sea level, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic, the Shannon, the Cliffs of Moher, the Magillacuddy Reeks and the Twelve Pins. Over the past two decades the premises have been extended and fully refurbished, including the addition of a large indoor hall in the summer of 2019. In 2015 the school celebrated its 150th anniversary with a Mass, the launch of a commemorative book, and a visit from President Michael D. Higgins, highlighting its long‑standing role in the community.
Applying to Rockmount Mixed 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 Rockmount Mixed 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 Rockmount Mixed National School
How many pupils attend Rockmount Mixed National School?
Rockmount Mixed National School has 23 pupils enrolled, 9 girls and 14 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Rockmount Mixed National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Rockmount Mixed 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 Rockmount Mixed National School?
Rockmount Mixed National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.