Cloghans National School
School Details
Location
About
Cloghans National School is a small, community‑focused primary school situated on the shores of Lough Conn near Ballina, County Mayo. The school places the child at the centre of every decision, fostering strong relationships between pupils, staff and parents to support a nurturing learning environment. Class sizes are deliberately kept low, allowing one‑to‑one attention and a blend of structured and play‑based activities that develop both academic and social skills. The school’s facilities combine historic charm with modern amenities. The original 1915 building has been extended with bright, airy classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards, and a dedicated room for the Special Education Teacher. Outdoor provision includes a spacious football pitch, a developing Friendship Garden and participation in the Green Schools programme, for which the school holds two Green School Flags. A vibrant musical tradition sees children learning the tin whistle from first class, while annual arts performances, including a Christmas show, enrich the cultural life of the school. Emphasis on STEM, cooking and the Discovery Primary Science Programme further broadens the curriculum.
History
Cloghans National School was built in 1915 on a site that previously hosted a thatched school dating back to pre‑Famine times, which itself succeeded an earlier hedge school. The community retains a strong sense of pride in this long‑standing educational heritage.