Burriscarra National School
School Details
Location
About
Burriscarra National School, situated in Carnacon, Co. Mayo, is a Roman Catholic primary school that delivers a balanced curriculum aimed at the full and harmonious development of each pupil. The school’s ethos promotes intellectual, physical, cultural, moral and spiritual growth, encouraging a living relationship with God and with others. Religious Education is woven throughout the programme in line with the doctrines and traditions of the Catholic Church, fostering a strong faith foundation alongside the core academic subjects. The school offers a range of early years and extended services, including a preschool for children from the age of two, a breakfast club and after‑school programmes, and a vibrant summer programme that provides additional enrichment activities. Modern facilities support these initiatives, with dedicated spaces for play, learning and community events. A proactive Board of Management and a committed staff team oversee the delivery of a supportive, inclusive environment that prepares children for lifelong learning.
History
The educational roots of Burriscarra National School trace back to the Penal Laws of the late 17th century, when Catholic children were taught in clandestine hedge schools. Following the Roman Catholic Relief Act of 1829 and the establishment of the National Board of Education in 1831, the first purpose‑built school in the area was erected by the Blake family of Towerhill. The solid two‑storey building opened in the autumn of 1849, serving the children of local tenants and drawing pupils from a wide surrounding area. Early roll books reveal a diverse community of learners, many of whom attended well into their teens. Over the ensuing decades the school evolved under the guidance of local managers and inspectors, maintaining its commitment to education despite occasional closures for community events such as race meetings.