Scoil Náisiúnta Cearn Mor
An Carn Mór, Galway
Key facts
- Gaeltacht
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 174 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 93 girls, 81 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19828M the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Sn Cearn Mór is a co‑educational, Catholic national school operating under the patronage of the Bishop of Galway. It provides primary education for children in the Carnmore community, embracing a holistic approach that balances academic learning with personal and spiritual development. The school’s ethos promotes inclusivity, with dedicated learning‑support rooms to cater for a range of educational needs, and a curriculum that encourages active participation, creativity and respect for Irish cultural heritage. The campus has evolved considerably since its origins. In 1983 the school moved into a modern four‑classroom building that includes a purpose‑built PE hall, and a 2005 extension added three further classrooms, offices and additional support facilities. Recent enhancements feature two specialised learning‑support rooms, a three‑quarter‑acre all‑weather pitch for sport and recreation, and upgraded, safer parking for families. These facilities reflect the school’s commitment to providing a safe, well‑resourced environment that supports both academic achievement and the broader development of its pupils.
History
The original Carnmore National School opened on 16 June 1885 with two classrooms and a very small playground, under the patronage of Fr McHugh, the parish priest at the time. In 1968, Fr Callanan introduced running water and flush toilets, modernising the premises despite occasional challenges such as floor holes and occasional mice. After extensive community fundraising, a new state‑of‑the‑art four‑classroom school with a PE hall was opened in 1983. A further extension, inaugurated by former pupil and TD Noel Grealish in 2005, added three classrooms and offices. More recent developments have provided two learning‑support rooms, a 3/4‑acre sports pitch and improved parking, creating a school that meets the diverse needs of its community.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Cearn Mor
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 Cearn Mor. 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 Cearn Mor
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Cearn Mor?
Scoil Náisiúnta Cearn Mor has 174 pupils enrolled, 93 girls and 81 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Cearn Mor a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Cearn Mor 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.
Does Scoil Náisiúnta Cearn Mor teach through Irish?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Cearn Mor teaches all subjects through Irish. It is also located in a Gaeltacht area.