Ballanagare National School
School Details
Location
About
St. Mary’s National School, Ballinagare is a co‑educational primary school situated in the village of Ballinagare, North County Roscommon. Operating under the Catholic patronage of the Bishop of Elphin, the school embraces the motto “Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí” and positions itself as a centre of Christian values where the spiritual, physical, emotional and academic needs of each child are prioritised. The curriculum is delivered with a strong emphasis on fostering a love of learning, encouraging appreciation of the local environment, culture and history, and providing a broad range of opportunities and activities that support the full development of pupils as young adults. The school benefits from a range of modern facilities, including three classrooms, a dedicated learning support room, a purpose‑built hall, a library, and a staff room/kitchen. Ancillary amenities comprise five toilets and a portocabin, ensuring a comfortable and accessible environment for all students. The school’s mission is to guide children through all aspects of the curriculum while nurturing respect for their heritage and community, creating a supportive and inclusive learning community.
History
The school was founded in 1939 with three classrooms, two toilets and a cloakroom. It now comprises three classrooms, a learning support room, a purpose hall, a library, a staff room/kitchen, five toilets and a portocabin. Following a major renovation in 2004, the extended school was officially opened by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese. The school is located near the ancestral home of the O'Connor Dons, the historic Rathcroghan mound (Cruachain), the legendary palace of Queen Maeve, and the ancient site of Oweynagat, once thought to be an entrance to the underworld.