Lurga National School
School Details
Location
About
Lurga National School is a small rural primary school situated south of Gort in the parish of Beagh, County Galway. Catering for around 90 pupils, the school provides a close‑knit learning environment that balances traditional Irish values with a modern, inclusive curriculum. The school’s timetable begins with a welcoming assembly at 9:20 am and includes structured break and lunch periods, reflecting a well‑organised day that supports both academic progress and social development. The campus combines historic charm with contemporary facilities. A fine stone building, dating from 1884, has been integrated into a 2009 extension that houses a multipurpose hall, three mainstream classrooms, a dedicated resource and learning support room, and a spacious school yard and field. Recent adaptations, such as the conversion of part of the hall into a third classroom in 2012, demonstrate the school’s commitment to accommodating growing enrolments. Specialist support is available through a full‑time special‑education teacher and part‑time assistants, ensuring that pupils of all abilities receive tailored assistance. Beyond the classroom, Lurga National School maintains strong links with the local community, offering regular updates via a school calendar, news section, and a range of supplies and wellbeing resources. The school’s ethos encourages active participation, cultural awareness, and a love of learning that prepares children for the next stage of their education.
History
Lurga National School opened its doors on 12 February 1884 in a stone building erected on land donated by Robert Lattery. Initially staffed by Patrick Linnane as principal, the school served both boys and girls in separate national schools until their amalgamation in 1905. Over the decades, the school saw a succession of principals and expanded its facilities, including a new extension completed in 2009 that incorporated the original structure as a multipurpose hall. An adjacent car park was added in 2010, and a third classroom was created in 2012 to meet rising enrolments. The school celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2014 and today comprises three mainstream classrooms, a resource and learning support room, a hall, a yard and a field, supporting a community of roughly 90 pupils.