Primary school

Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille

CARRAIG MHACHAIRE ROIS, Monaghan

Key facts

  • DEIS
  • Mixed
Pupils enrolled
103 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
Girls and boys
49 girls, 54 boys
Ethos
Catholic
Teaching through Irish
No subjects through Irish
Roll number
18820O the Department of Education reference for this school

School details

Address
BLACKSTAFF, CARRAIG MHACHAIRE ROIS
Location
CARRAIG MHACHAIRE ROIS, Monaghan
School type
Primary
Latest inspection reports
View on gov.ie

Location

About

Scoil Cholmcille National School is a rural primary school located in Blackstaff, near Inniskeen in County Monaghan. The school provides a welcoming environment for children aged 4‑12, guided by the motto “Play, Grow & Learn Together” and its Irish equivalent, reflecting a commitment to holistic development through play‑based learning, collaborative activities and a strong emphasis on community values. Classrooms are equipped with high‑speed broadband connectivity, enabling the integration of digital resources into everyday teaching and supporting the national curriculum’s focus on ICT skills. The school’s facilities have evolved over time: the original building was erected in 1963, an extension was added in 2004 and a further classroom was constructed in 2022, ensuring ample space for modern teaching and specialised learning areas. Situated approximately 4 km from Inniskeen, 8 km from Carrickmacross and 12 km from Dundalk, the school serves a vibrant local community and benefits from its proximity to both rural and urban amenities. A range of extracurricular activities and a supportive parents’ association further enrich the pupil experience, fostering a well‑rounded education that prepares children for future academic and personal success.

History

Scoil Cholmcille National School was built in 1963 as a rural primary school. An extension was added in 2004 to accommodate growing enrolments, and a new classroom was constructed in 2022, reflecting ongoing investment in the school’s infrastructure and commitment to providing up‑to‑date learning environments.

Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille

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 Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille. 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 Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille

How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille?

Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille has 103 pupils enrolled, 49 girls and 54 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.

Is Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille a DEIS school?

Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille 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 Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille?

Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.