Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Padraig
Claregalway, Galway
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 221 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 112 girls, 109 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16936A the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Padraig Naofa, Cregmore is a co‑educational national school under the patronage of the Archbishop of Tuam, serving a vibrant community eight miles east of Galway City. The school currently educates around 240 pupils across ten mainstream classes, supported by learning‑support teachers, special needs assistants and a full‑time secretary. Its ethos centres on the values of truth, honesty, friendship and respect, with a strong emphasis on the wellbeing and holistic development of every child. The campus has been continually developed to provide a modern learning environment. Facilities include a purpose‑built school hall, a library, an Aistear room, a sensory room and a newly added “An Tigin” playroom for early‑years exploration. Outdoor amenities feature a playing pitch, an Astro Turf surface (extended in 2020), a running track, a field and a dedicated car park. Each classroom is equipped with interactive whiteboards, up‑to‑date IT hardware including Surface RT tablets, and a wide range of specialist equipment for maths, science, PE and music, supporting a broad curriculum that incorporates STEM and Green School initiatives.
History
The original Scoil Padraig Naofa opened on 3 July 1933 after a successful campaign by local advocate Richard McGrath. The first building, erected in 1933, was demolished in 1978 and replaced with a new school. A major extension in 2005 added further classrooms and facilities, followed by the construction of a school hall, resource rooms and a library opened on 21 June 2013. In 2016 a modern wing introduced additional classrooms and office space. Subsequent enhancements include an expanded Astro Turf area and a surrounding running track (2020) and the opening of the An Tigin playroom in January 2023 to support the Aistear programme. The school’s development and community story are documented in the 2004 publication *Cregmore, the school and its People*.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Padraig
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.
School-published admissions links
These links come from the school's published admissions material. Check the school year shown before relying on dates or place numbers.
National term dates 2026/27
View Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Padraig's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Padraig. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Naomh Padraig
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Padraig?
Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Padraig has 221 pupils enrolled, 112 girls and 109 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Padraig a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Padraig 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 Naomh Padraig?
Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Padraig has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.