St Patricks National School
Leitrim
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 243 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 124 girls, 119 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19423J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St Patrick’s National School, Drumshanbo is a co‑educational Catholic primary school serving the parish of Murhaun under the patronage of the Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise. The school’s ethos is founded on the motto *Cairdeas agus Oideas* – “Friendship and Learning” – and it places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, diversity and a welcoming, safe environment where every pupil is respected equally. The curriculum follows the Department of Education and Science programme, with particular attention to the rights of the patron, equality of access and parental choice. The school provides a full range of classes from Junior Infants to Sixth Class, together with three dedicated Autism classes and a specialist Special Education team. Staffing includes 19 full‑time teachers covering mainstream, autism, special education and English as an Additional Language, supported by 12 Special Needs Assistants, a full‑time secretary, caretaker and cleaner. Facilities have expanded from the original six classrooms and purpose room (opened in 1974) to include several extensions that accommodate the growing pupil population and specialist provision. Located on the Ballinamore road on the outskirts of Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, the campus is set on parish land and linked to the local church by a scenic path. The school day runs from 9.20 am, with Junior and Senior Infants finishing at 2.00 pm and all other classes at 3.00 pm, and includes scheduled morning and lunch breaks. Community life is vibrant, highlighted by annual events such as a sponsored walk and the celebration of the school’s 50th anniversary.
History
St Patrick’s National School opened its doors in November 1974 as Drumshanbo Central School, created through the amalgamation of Drumshanbo NS (now Áras Pádraig), Aughagrania NS, Corderey NS and Cormongan NS. In 1975 Drumkeelan NS joined the amalgamation. The school has grown from its original six classrooms and purpose room to a larger complex with multiple extensions to meet the needs of a growing community. In 2024 the school marked its 50th birthday with a weekend of celebrations, videos and photographs.
Applying to St Patricks 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 Patricks 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 Patricks National School
How many pupils attend St Patricks National School?
St Patricks National School has 243 pupils enrolled, 124 girls and 119 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Patricks National School a DEIS school?
No. St Patricks 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 Patricks National School?
St Patricks National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.