Shillelagh No 1 National School
Shillelagh, Wicklow
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 23 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 12 girls, 11 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 15359G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Shillelagh No 1 National School is a small rural primary school situated in a historic two‑hundred‑year‑old schoolhouse overlooking the village of Shillelagh in the south‑west Wicklow hills. The school provides education from Junior and Senior Infants through to 6th class, following the fully government‑approved curriculum. Emphasis is placed on a nurturing environment where children develop socially, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually, with daily religious education delivered in line with the Church of Ireland syllabus while welcoming pupils of all faiths and none. The learning ethos promotes collaboration, self‑esteem and confidence, encouraging pupils to explore creative, cultural and physical pursuits alongside academic study. Outdoor play areas and spacious grounds support physical development and a connection with the surrounding countryside. The school’s commitment to community involvement is reflected in its focus on environmental and civic responsibility, preparing children to make positive contributions to society.
History
The school was constructed in 1821 by Earl Fitzwilliam after a survey by Rev. John Firth, Curate of Carnew, as part of an initiative to improve education across the estate. It served the children of the Shillelagh barony and celebrated its bicentenary in 2021.
Applying to Shillelagh No 1 National School
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 Shillelagh No 1 National School. 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 Shillelagh No 1 National School
How many pupils attend Shillelagh No 1 National School?
Shillelagh No 1 National School has 23 pupils enrolled, 12 girls and 11 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Shillelagh No 1 National School a DEIS school?
No. Shillelagh No 1 National School 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 Shillelagh No 1 National School?
Shillelagh No 1 National School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed primary school.