Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire
Bagenalstown, Carlow
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 59 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 24 girls, 35 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 09320Q the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Nais Mhuire is a vibrant primary school serving the rural community of Drumphea in the parish of Myshall, County Carlow. The school embraces a holistic, child‑centred approach that balances academic learning with personal development, wellbeing and environmental stewardship. As a designated green school holding two Green Flags, it integrates sustainability into the curriculum and daily practice, encouraging pupils to become responsible custodians of their local landscape, which includes the historic Mount Leinster and nearby ancient sites. The campus offers state‑of‑the‑art facilities for a modern learning experience. A spacious indoor hall, expansive playground, basketball court and all‑weather pitch provide ample space for physical education and outdoor play. Five well‑equipped classrooms each feature interactive whiteboards and a dedicated classroom library, while a fully fitted computer room supports digital literacy. Recent investment through a 2021 grant has supplied Chromebooks, tablets, charging stations and high‑speed broadband, narrowing the digital divide for learners. An ASD classroom with a sensory room, opened in September 2023, and a dedicated Learning Support base further demonstrate the school’s commitment to inclusive education.
History
The origins of the school date back to 1862 when the original building was erected near the ruins of Rathnageera castle. A temporary timber structure was erected in Drumphea in 1967, operating as a two‑teacher school until 1998. The current purpose‑built premises were constructed in 2003 and initially functioned as a three‑teacher school. In 2010 the staff complement expanded to four teachers, and in 2012 the school was designated a base school for Learning Support, adding a resource teacher and special‑needs assistants. The most recent development is the opening of a dedicated ASD classroom with a sensory room in September 2023, reflecting ongoing growth and adaptation to community needs.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire
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 Mhuire. 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 Mhuire
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire?
Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire has 59 pupils enrolled, 24 girls and 35 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire 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 Mhuire?
Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.