Scoil Náisiúnta Crannaighe Buidhe
Ardara, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 54 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 17 girls, 37 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17447N the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Crannóg Buí National School, situated in the townland of Crannóg Buí near Ardara, offers a welcoming, community‑focused primary education for children of all abilities. The school prides itself on providing a safe and secure environment where pupils are encouraged to develop spiritually, intellectually, emotionally and socially. A strong partnership between the Board of Management and dedicated staff underpins a curriculum that balances traditional teaching with modern learning support, ensuring each child can thrive. Recent investment has enhanced the school’s facilities considerably. A comprehensive refurbishment in 2007 introduced a new classroom, office and storage space, and re‑configured the original rooms into a spacious combined senior and junior classroom. In 2023 a modular unit was added to accommodate growing enrolments, providing additional space for first and second classes. Ongoing plans include off‑road car parking and expanded playground areas, further enriching the pleasant, rural setting that surrounds the historic crannóg remains.
History
The original one‑room school was erected in 1864 with two teachers. A new building opened in 1944, and the school underwent a total refurbishment in 2007, adding new classroom, office and storage facilities and merging the two older classrooms into a larger space for senior and junior pupils. In September 2023 a modular unit was installed to house first and second classes, reflecting continued growth. Plans are now underway for additional parking and playground development.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Crannaighe Buidhe
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 Crannaighe Buidhe. 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 Crannaighe Buidhe
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Crannaighe Buidhe?
Scoil Náisiúnta Crannaighe Buidhe has 54 pupils enrolled, 17 girls and 37 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Crannaighe Buidhe a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Crannaighe Buidhe 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 Crannaighe Buidhe?
Scoil Náisiúnta Crannaighe Buidhe has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.