Scoil Náisiúnta Aodain
Ballintrillick, Sligo
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 16 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 11 girls, 5 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18366S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Aidan’s National School is a small, two‑teacher primary school situated on the North Sligo–Leitrim border beneath the scenic Benwiskin Mountain. The school benefits from a purpose‑built campus originally opened in 1959, with a 2009 extension that added two modern classrooms, a dedicated office, upgraded toilet facilities and resource rooms. A newly developed garden provides a hands‑on learning space where pupils grow flowers and vegetables as part of their curriculum. The educational ethos centres on a happy, positive learning environment that values inclusivity and community. With a learning‑support/resource teacher and a part‑time special‑needs assistant, the school offers tailored support for all learners. The full primary curriculum, including ICT, is delivered alongside a rich programme of extra‑curricular activities such as drama, dance, music, chess, Gaelic, soccer, rounders, athletics, arts and crafts, and cooking. Small class sizes (approximately 15 pupils) foster close relationships, mixed‑age interaction and strong parental involvement in organising events and supporting school life. Patronage is provided by the Bishop of Kilmore, reflecting the school’s Catholic ethos, while an open‑door policy and the welcoming phrase “Céad Míle Fáilte” underline its commitment to a supportive, community‑focused atmosphere.
History
The school was constructed in 1958 and officially opened on 1 September 1959, replacing the former Gleniff National School (closed 1929), Cloonty National School (closed 1958) and Aughamore National School (closed in the mid‑1970s). Earlier education in the area began with two hedge schools in the early nineteenth century, one of which was run by Andy Lackey in Cloonty. In 1850 the Gore Booth family built a school in Gurteen, but Catholic children were barred from attending by Bishop Browne of Kilmore, leading to local conflict. A site was later donated by landlord Mr Dickson, resulting in the establishment of St Aidan’s. The school opened under the leadership of Mary McGowan as principal and Mary Gallagher as assistant.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Aodain
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 Aodain. 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 Aodain
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Aodain?
Scoil Náisiúnta Aodain has 16 pupils enrolled, 11 girls and 5 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Aodain a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Aodain 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 Aodain?
Scoil Náisiúnta Aodain has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.