St Josephs National School
Dromahair, Leitrim
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 56 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 27 girls, 29 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16130C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St. Joseph’s National School is a vibrant primary school serving the Killenummery community. The school places a strong emphasis on holistic development, offering a balanced programme that combines academic learning with a wide range of extracurricular activities. Pupils benefit from an active‑schools ethos, participating in sport, music, dance, mindfulness and health‑focused initiatives such as the 5 km “Complete 5k In Your Own Way” challenge and regular sports days. The curriculum is enriched by programmes that promote Irish language acquisition (Gaelbhratach), European Union awareness (Blue Star Programme) and creative arts (BLAST – Bringing Live Arts to Students and Teachers). The school also values local heritage, organising field trips to historic sites such as Cashelore Stone Fort, Killery Church, Creevalea Abbey and Parkes Castle, which help embed a sense of place and community pride. Recent achievements include multiple Active Schools flags, recognition for project work, and a thriving student council that contributes to the organisation of play rotas and school events. Facilities support both indoor and outdoor learning, with dedicated spaces for sports, arts, and collaborative projects, fostering an inclusive environment where children can explore, create and grow.
History
In November 2018, St. Joseph’s National School arranged a day‑long educational visit for pupils and staff to three local historic sites – Cashelore Stone Fort, Killery Church and graveyard, and Creevalea Abbey – guided by local historian Seamus Mc Cormack. Earlier that year, on 25 September 2018, the school visited Parkes Castle as part of its focus on local history, providing students with hands‑on experience of the area’s heritage.
Applying to St Josephs 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 Josephs 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 Josephs National School
How many pupils attend St Josephs National School?
St Josephs National School has 56 pupils enrolled, 27 girls and 29 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Josephs National School a DEIS school?
No. St Josephs 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 Josephs National School?
St Josephs National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.