Scoil Náisiúnta Na Heaglaise
Ballinasloe, Galway
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 37 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 17 girls, 20 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 15027E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Eglish National School is a modern primary school serving the communities between Ahascragh and Ballinasloe. The school prides itself on offering state‑of‑the‑art facilities that support a broad curriculum, from core academic subjects to creative arts, music and sport. Recent initiatives such as the planting of eight native trees supplied by Coill na nÓg demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship and hands‑on learning. The school’s vibrant student council provides pupils with a platform to voice their ideas, fostering leadership and democratic participation from an early age. The daily timetable balances structured learning with well‑timed breaks, including a morning snack, a lunch period and a dedicated home‑time for junior and senior infants, ensuring a rhythm that supports concentration and wellbeing. A strong emphasis is placed on positive behaviour management and inclusive education, with dedicated special‑education support and school nurse assistants available to meet diverse needs. Community involvement is a hallmark of the school, evident in events such as the annual Díolacháin fair, where students design and sell products, strengthening ties between families, staff and the wider neighbourhood.
History
Eglish National School opened its doors in 1899. In its early years the school was heated by a fireplace, with pupils bringing turf to keep the building warm, and lessons included practical skills such as knitting, sewing and cooking. Transportation was limited, so children walked or cycled to school, often in bare feet during summer months. The first principal was James Joseph Connolly, and successive leaders, including Thomas Leonard (RIP), Seamus Ryan and Elizabeth Mulry, have built a legacy of achievement in sport, music, storytelling, academics and community life.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Na Heaglaise
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 Na Heaglaise. 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 Na Heaglaise
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Na Heaglaise?
Scoil Náisiúnta Na Heaglaise has 37 pupils enrolled, 17 girls and 20 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Na Heaglaise a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Na Heaglaise 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 Na Heaglaise?
Scoil Náisiúnta Na Heaglaise has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.