St Aidans National School
Shannon, Clare
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 260 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 133 girls, 127 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19698C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Aidan’s National School is a mixed, all‑inclusive primary school situated in the townland of Smithstown, Shannon, serving children aged 4‑12. Operating under the patronage of the Bishop of Killaloe, the school prides itself on a warm, welcoming community where every child is valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. The ethos centres on developing each child’s love of learning, life‑skills and personal growth within a supportive environment that involves close partnership between staff and parents. The school benefits from modern, purpose‑built facilities on a 3.5‑acre site, including an Astroturf pitch, a sensory garden, a soft‑play area and a dedicated sensory room, all designed to meet a range of learning and developmental needs. An on‑site pre‑school, Little Buds, provides early years provision, while recent extensions and the addition of a specialised ASD class demonstrate a commitment to inclusive, holistic education. The curriculum is delivered with an emphasis on nurturing individuality, fostering community spirit and preparing pupils for lifelong learning.
History
St Aidan’s was established in 1982 after a community campaign to serve a growing population. The school opened on 1 September 1982 with Junior and Senior Infant classes housed in Tullyvaraga Hall, remaining there until 1987 when it moved to a new building on its current 3.5‑acre site. For thirty years the school was led by its first principal, Mr Ger Loughnane, who laid the foundations for its development. Extensions were added in 2013 and 2015, and a dedicated ASD class opened in 2021, with ongoing works continuing to enhance the campus.
Applying to St Aidans 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 St Aidans 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 St Aidans National School
How many pupils attend St Aidans National School?
St Aidans National School has 260 pupils enrolled, 133 girls and 127 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Aidans National School a DEIS school?
No. St Aidans 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 St Aidans National School?
St Aidans National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.