Scoil Naisiunta Ard Raithin
School Details
Location
About
Scoil Naisiunta Ard Raithin is a Catholic national primary school situated in the village of Ardrahan, County Galway. The school provides a supportive, faith‑based learning environment for roughly 176 pupils, combining mainstream instruction with dedicated special‑education provision. Its curriculum is delivered in line with the Irish national framework while placing strong emphasis on the holistic development of each child – academically, spiritually, socially and environmentally. The campus has been expanded in recent years to include modern facilities such as four new classrooms, a well‑stocked library, a multi‑purpose hall, specialised rooms for special‑education needs, a dedicated SET (Special Educational Needs) room and a spacious, well‑maintained playground. Central heating, updated toilets and a recent roof refurbishment ensure a comfortable setting throughout the year. The school’s ethos promotes mutual respect, high professional standards, and close partnership between staff, parents and the wider community, fostering a safe and happy atmosphere in which pupils can thrive.
History
Labane National School was founded in 1934 by Canon John Considine, originally staffed by three teachers. The school remained largely unchanged until part of its playground was lost to the Labane bypass development. In the 1980s the building was re‑roofed, new toilets were installed and central heating was added, while parochial land was allocated to create the current playing field. A major extension opened in 2008, adding four classrooms, a library, a multi‑purpose hall, special‑education rooms, a staff room and an office. A further extension in 2022 provided an additional classroom and a dedicated SET room. Notable leadership includes a long‑serving principal from 1964‑2006, followed by a successor until 2016, and the current principal overseeing the school’s continued growth.