ST BRENDANS N S
School Details
About
Nestled in the heart of Milltown, Co. Galway, Belmont National School is a small, two‑classroom primary school that serves as an extension of the home and local community. The school provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment, staffed by a team of classroom teachers and special‑education teachers who work together to ensure every child feels valued and can thrive. Its ethos centres on fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging individual growth and nurturing a love of learning, with strong partnerships between families and the school to help each pupil reach their full potential. The school’s facilities include a junior room and a senior room, the latter equipped with Google Chromebooks purchased through a 2021 grant aimed at bridging the digital divide for learners at risk of educational disadvantage. Belmont NS benefits from a recent investment under the Irish National Recovery and Resilience Plan, reinforcing its commitment to modern, technology‑enhanced education while maintaining a close‑knit, community‑focused atmosphere. The school’s eircode is H54 HY75 and it can be contacted on 093 51528.
History
Records indicate a school existed on the site in 1864, with James Corcoran as its first master, followed by Martin Mannion, Julie Smyth and Ellen Geraghty. In 1881 a one‑room school was built on land donated by Jack Tierney; it was enlarged in 1900 to accommodate 138 pupils, though attendance was irregular during harvest periods. By 1970 the original building had fallen into disrepair, and a new three‑classroom school was constructed, opening on 20 November 1972 with Mrs O’Connor as principal. In the 1990s Dalgin NS closed and amalgamated with Belmont NS, prompting the introduction of a school bus service for children from the Dalgin area. Notable principals have included Ellen Geraghty, James O’Kane, Michael Acton, Christy Molloy, Seán Callaghan, Kathleen O’Connor, Eleanor Sheridan and Martina McGrath.