Ughtyneill National School
Moynalty, Meath
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
- 12897T the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ughtyneill National School is a vibrant rural primary school situated in the scenic countryside of County Meath, just outside the village of Moynalty. The school serves the local community with a strong emphasis on fostering close family and community connections, reflecting the long‑standing tradition of Irish national schools. Its educational ethos combines a love of learning with the development of social skills, encouraging pupils to explore both academic subjects and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Recent initiatives such as the introduction of LEGO® League and archaeology projects illustrate the school’s commitment to innovative, hands‑on learning that stimulates curiosity and creativity. The school operates a junior and senior classroom setting, providing age‑appropriate environments that support the transition from early years to senior infant levels. Facilities are designed to accommodate a variety of activities, from puzzle and board‑game sessions to swimming and music programmes, as highlighted in the school’s event calendar. A proactive Parent‑Teacher Association (PA) works alongside staff to enhance the educational experience, ensuring that the school remains a welcoming centre for children and families alike.
History
Ughtyneill National School traces its origins back to the early 20th century, boasting a celebrated heritage of over a hundred years in education. Throughout its history the school has maintained strong family and community links, values that continue to shape its ethos and daily practice.
Applying to Ughtyneill 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 Ughtyneill 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 Ughtyneill National School
How many pupils attend Ughtyneill National School?
Ughtyneill 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 Ughtyneill National School a DEIS school?
No. Ughtyneill 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 Ughtyneill National School?
Ughtyneill National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.