Stonehall National School
Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 101 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 46 girls, 55 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 15350L the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Stonehall National School is situated in the parish of Newmarket on Fergus, County Clare. The school provides five mainstream classes covering the junior and senior infant years through to the second class, together with a dedicated early‑intervention class – Sonas Preschool – for children with autism. Its vision stresses the uniqueness of every child and aims to nurture intellectual, spiritual, physical and emotional growth within a safe, caring environment. The motto “Work Hard, Be Kind” underpins a holistic approach that encourages pupils to achieve their full potential while developing strong character. The school offers a range of activities that enrich the curriculum, including dedicated programmes for junior and senior infants, a vibrant “Kids Corner”, and participation in community initiatives such as Green Schools and Active Schools. These initiatives reflect a commitment to environmental awareness and active lifestyles. By fostering a supportive community and encouraging curiosity through projects like “Our Shared Heritage”, Stonehall National School creates an inclusive atmosphere where children are cherished and motivated to explore and learn.
History
In September 2021 Stonehall National School joined three other schools in the Newmarket on Fergus parish for a collaborative learning project guided by Mr Michael Browne of the Clare Education Centre. Working under the theme “Our Shared Heritage”, the schools explored the parish’s historic castles and tower houses, investigating their remnants, from ruins to fully restored sites used for domestic living or tourism. This project highlighted the school’s engagement with local heritage and its commitment to experiential learning.
Applying to Stonehall 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 Stonehall 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 Stonehall National School
How many pupils attend Stonehall National School?
Stonehall National School has 101 pupils enrolled, 46 girls and 55 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Stonehall National School a DEIS school?
No. Stonehall 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 Stonehall National School?
Stonehall National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.