Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal
Ballycrissane, Galway
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 53 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 22 girls, 31 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18043R the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Tiernascragh National School is a co‑educational, Catholic primary school situated in the parish of Killimor, County Galway. The school aims to nurture each child’s intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural development within a happy, caring and secure atmosphere. By keeping class sizes small – the school operates with three teachers and a full‑time school‑nurse aide – pupils receive a high level of individual attention and support, fostering confidence and independence. The educational approach incorporates a multi‑sensory learning model that makes extensive use of information and communications technology (ICT) to enhance engagement. A multi‑class structure encourages peer‑mentoring relationships, while a strong emphasis on communication ensures effective links between staff and parents. The school’s environment is described as safe and welcoming, promoting a positive community spirit where respect and kindness are core values. Opening hours differ by level: Junior and Senior Infants attend from 09:00 to 13:40, while 1st to 6th class pupils are on site from 09:00 to 14:40. These timings reflect the school’s commitment to providing a structured yet flexible learning day for its pupils.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal
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 Muire gan Smal. 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 Muire gan Smal
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal?
Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal has 53 pupils enrolled, 22 girls and 31 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal 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 Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal?
Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.