Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal
Galway
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 43 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 22 girls, 21 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18608Q the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Claddaghduff National School is a co‑educational, Catholic primary school situated in a rural community and operating under the DEIS programme with a two‑teacher staffing model. The school provides a caring, happy and secure atmosphere that nurtures the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural development of each pupil. Its educational philosophy centres on creating a positive, stimulating learning environment where children are encouraged to recognise their gifts, develop a love of learning and achieve their full potential. The school’s ethos is rooted in Catholic values while respecting all other religions, fostering a mutually supportive community that includes students, parents and the wider locality. Emphasis is placed on holistic wellbeing, with programmes that promote healthy eating, physical activity, cultural participation and moral development. Facilities are organised into distinct Junior and Senior rooms, and an after‑school club supports extended learning and recreation. Regular communication through newsletters, a school calendar and an up‑to‑date website keeps families informed and engaged with school life.
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 43 pupils enrolled, 22 girls and 21 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal 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 Muire gan Smal?
Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.