Garracloon National School
School Details
Location
About
Garracloon National School is a co‑educational, Catholic primary school situated in a scenic rural setting near Lough Conn, approximately 2.5 miles from Ballina town in County Mayo. The school provides a well‑ordered, caring and secure environment that promotes respect for people and property, encourages responsibility and nurtures the self‑esteem of every pupil. While rooted in a Catholic ethos, the school recognises and respects all other religions, fostering an inclusive community for children, staff and ancillary personnel. The school operates with a small teaching team supported by a shared special‑education teacher, allowing for personalised attention across junior and senior classes. Facilities include a large, recently resurfaced tarmac yard, a dedicated soft‑play area for younger children (with plans for artificial grass), and a full‑size football pitch with goalposts. Recent upgrades under the Summer Works Scheme have added new windows, doors and a modernised building envelope, while the original 1855 structure remains in active use alongside new classrooms added in 2003. Learning is enriched by using the surrounding natural environment and local resources as teaching tools, reinforcing the school’s commitment to experiential, community‑linked education.
History
Scoil Naomh Padraig, now known as Garracloon National School, was built by the Earl of Arran in 1855 and officially opened as a national school on 28 February 1858. In 1882 the school was handed over to Rev. John Conmy, the Administrator of Backs. Separate schools for boys and girls operated until 1920. Over the years the school saw the introduction of indoor toilets in 1969 and central heating in 1976. The original building has remained in use, with additional classrooms added in 2003.