€2,000 support offered as rural school invites family to move west
A small rural community in north Connemara is inviting a family to enjoy a slower, safer way of life, with fresh air, outdoor space and a strong sense of community - and they’re offering a €2,000 bursary to offset the initial costs of relocating.
A family home is now available to rent in the area, a scenic Gaeltacht area nestled between Loch Corrib and Loch Mask, where children can walk to school, play freely outdoors and grow up in a calm rural environment.
The Parents & Community Committee at Scoil Naomh Pádraig, An Chloch Bhreac, is offering a €2,000 bursary to families who enrol children in the local primary school. While the bursary will not cover rent or the full cost of moving, it is intended as practical support and a gesture of welcome from the community.
“After growing from four pupils in June 2025 to 13 today, including nine new enrolments last September, the community is now aiming to reach 20 pupils by September 2026, following the successful relocation of two families under the scheme last year,” said Margaret Kineavy, chairperson of the Parents & Community Committee.
“Families tell us they are looking for space, safety and a school where their children are known and supported. The bursary is not about financial incentives. It is about showing that this community is willing to step forward and support a family who chooses to make their home here.
“The initiative aims to strengthen enrolment at the local primary school and help secure its long-term future at the heart of the community.”
The school provides small class sizes, a strong pupil to teacher ratio, Irish-medium education, and practical supports for working parents including a breakfast club and after-school care. The wider area offers local employment, outdoor education opportunities and access to a nearby digital hub suitable for remote working.
Families interested in learning more about the school and community can visit www.snpclochbhreac.com or make contact through the Parents & Community Committee at margaret.kineavy@gmail.com.