The oldest school still operating in Manorhamilton, namely the Masterson National School was built after a bequest was made for its construction in the nineteenth century by a local man John James Masterson. Both the Masterson National School and Manorhamilton Church of Ireland were erected on the site of the town’s military barracks. The church was built in 1783 and the first roll books of the Masterson School date from 1860, which is some seventy-seven years after the church was built.

Prior to the construction of the Church the military barracks was knocked down while it is believed the school building was previously used as a barracks dispensary prior to its development as an educational institution.

The site of the church and school is bordered by one of the finest surviving star forts in the country. Apart from the fact he was local man of considerable wealth, not much is recorded about John James Masterson who gave his name to one of the oldest functioning schools in the county. The Manorhamilton Church of Ireland Vestry minutes of 1890 notes that a gift of £900 was made by Mr. Masterson, which was to be used for the education of the parish children, especially their religious education. John James Masterson died in Wimbledon, London.

 It is now a modern, state-of-the-art one teacher school which reflects the ethos of the Church of Ireland, while welcoming pupils of all or no faith.  The Principal and staff at Masterson have an open door policy and welcome you to come visit our school. 

Gaelscoil Chluainin

Gaelscoil Chluainín is an Irish-Medium Co-Ed Primary School, with a catholic ethos under the patronage of An Foras Pátrúnachta.  The school was established in 2007 and the new purpose-built school on Castle Street was opened in 2008