Teaching a handful of children overlooking the Atlantic Ocean: that is the unusual job opportunity advertised by Inishturk’s primary school. This small island in County Mayo is seeking a deputy principal to join its brand-new school. It is a permanent post in a community of around 60 residents and, perhaps, one of the best-situated classrooms in Ireland.
An Irish school is recruiting on Inishturk Island
A permanent post in the heart of the Atlantic
The start of the school year could feel like the edge of the world. St Columba’s National School on Inishturk has just advertised for a deputy principal. The permanent role is due to begin on 26 August 2026, with applications accepted until 20 August.
The school currently has just three pupils and one teacher. The successful candidate will therefore also teach in a mainstream classroom. The school describes the role as particularly varied, offering genuine career prospects within a small-school setting.
Its main selling point, however, can be summed up in a few words: the school says it has “perhaps the best view of any school in the country”. That is inevitably subjective, but hard to dismiss when the windows look out over the Mayo landscape and the vast Atlantic.
A new school for three pupils
Fibre broadband and a highly energy-efficient building
The successful candidate will work in a recently built school with an excellent internet connection and an A0 energy rating. These facilities are particularly important on an island 14.5 kilometres from the coast.
Inishturk was connected to the national high-speed fibre network in 2026. The investment is intended to support teaching, communications and the continued provision of essential services in one of Ireland’s most isolated island communities.
The advert states that accommodation will be arranged for the successful candidate, but will not be provided free of charge. Beyond the role itself, the school is looking for a teacher willing to become part of a community described as welcoming and especially close-knit.
Inishturk, an island of around 60 residents
Daily life shaped by ferry crossings
Located between Clare Island and Inishbofin, Inishturk has fewer than 60 permanent residents. It can be reached by ferry from Roonagh Pier, near Louisburgh. The crossing takes around 50 minutes and is naturally dependent on weather conditions.
The island is known for its high cliffs, coastal scenery and the walking trail around Lough Coolaknick. Its community club also includes a restaurant, bar and small shop, making it one of the main meeting places for residents.
Behind its unusual character, the recruitment drive highlights an essential issue for Ireland’s small islands: keeping a school open also enables families to remain on the island and helps sustain a vibrant year-round community. On Inishturk, three pupils are enough to make the start of the school year a matter for the whole island.
