St Mary's National School
Ballyhaise, Cavan
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 31 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 12 girls, 19 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16520P the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Mary’s National School is situated in the heart of the Cavans countryside, in the village of Drung within the Diocese of Kilmore. The school serves a close‑knit community of 38 pupils who are taught across two classrooms, allowing for personalised attention and strong peer relationships. Rooted in a Catholic ethos, spiritual development is woven throughout the daily routine, complementing a broad curriculum that values both academic achievement and moral growth. The educational approach at St. Mary’s is holistic, aiming to nurture pupils spiritually, intellectually, emotionally and socially. A dedicated staff fosters a safe and secure learning environment, encouraging curiosity and confidence in learners of all abilities. An after‑school club extends learning beyond the classroom, offering additional opportunities for recreation and enrichment. Despite its modest size, the school boasts a rich tradition of sport and music, reflecting a balanced emphasis on physical health and the arts. The intimate setting, combined with a strong community spirit and a commitment to high standards, creates an environment where each child can thrive.
History
The school was re‑formed in 1988, continuing a long‑standing tradition of teaching and learning in the Drung area.
Applying to St Mary's 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 Mary's 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 Mary's National School
How many pupils attend St Mary's National School?
St Mary's National School has 31 pupils enrolled, 12 girls and 19 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Mary's National School a DEIS school?
No. St Mary's 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 Mary's National School?
St Mary's National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.