Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire
Carrig-on-Bannow, Wexford
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 144 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 70 girls, 74 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 14254K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Danescastle National School (Scoil Mhuire, Danescastle) is a mainstream, co‑educational primary school situated in the village of Carrig on Bannow, Co. Wexford. The school serves approximately 150‑180 pupils aged 4‑13 and is staffed by nine qualified teachers who provide a caring, supportive environment that promotes the overall development of each child. The school’s mission is to nurture personal identity, awareness, and self‑reliance, fostering tolerant, caring and innovative individuals through a balanced curriculum and strong pastoral care. The school offers a wide range of facilities and programmes that encourage active learning and community involvement. Physical education is a core focus, with activities such as Hurling 365, Irish Tug of War, the Daily Mile, and cycling training. Enrichment opportunities include a student council, Lego and GAA clubs, a digital learning app, and initiatives like Global Citizenship projects and environmental “Green Schools” activities. Recent building extensions have added modern classrooms and a purpose‑built room, ensuring ample space for both academic and extracurricular pursuits.
History
The present school in Carrig is officially Scoil Mhuire, Danescastle. Although the village is called Carrig on Bannow, the school is known as Danescastle because it originated in a mud‑walled house at Duff’s Corner. The school was transferred to the village in 1829, retaining the Danescastle name, and operated until 1893 when it was replaced by the current building. Extensions were added in 1958 (to incorporate Bannow pupils), the 1980s (three classrooms), 2008 (three classrooms and a purpose room), and a further classroom in 2013. Today the school educates around 180 children.
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 144 pupils enrolled, 70 girls and 74 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire 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 Mhuire?
Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.