St Mochullas National School
Tulla, Clare
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 259 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 123 girls, 136 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20075T the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Mochullas National School is a co‑educational, rural primary school situated in Tulla, Co. Clare, serving the parish of Tulla and surrounding catchment areas. Operating under a Catholic ethos and the patronage of Bishop Fintan Monahan, the school seeks to provide an education founded on an appreciation of childhood and family, nurturing the physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual growth of each child. The school places a strong emphasis on inclusivity and respect for human differences, recognising and valuing diversity of race, gender, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic background and ability. Learning is delivered in a supportive community environment that challenges oppression and encourages curiosity, creativity and personal development. Facilities include well‑equipped classrooms, a school garden, and resources for arts, sport and digital learning, complemented by active parental and community involvement. St Mochullas follows Department of Education guidelines on class size and admission, offering open mornings for prospective families and providing tailored support for children with special educational needs in partnership with parents and relevant agencies. A vibrant range of extracurricular activities and a student council further enrich the pupils’ experience.
History
The school is named after Mochulla, whose monastery was built on the site of the local graveyard. In 1885 the Convent of Mercy Primary School first opened. In 1953 the Boys National School moved to the present site. In 1971 the local schools Drumcharley, Knockjames, Fortane and Maghera amalgamated. In 1998 the amalgamation of Tulla Boys N.S. and the Convent of Mercy took place, forming St Mochullas National School.
Applying to St Mochullas 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
View St Mochullas National School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to St Mochullas National School. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Mochullas National School
How many pupils attend St Mochullas National School?
St Mochullas National School has 259 pupils enrolled, 123 girls and 136 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Mochullas National School a DEIS school?
No. St Mochullas 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 Mochullas National School?
St Mochullas National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.