Coláiste Chilliain
Cluain Dolcáin, Dublin
Key facts
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 400 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 224 girls, 176 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- All pupils taught all subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 70100W the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Coláiste Chilliain is an all‑Irish medium secondary school situated in the Gaeltacht area of Cluain Dolcáin, Dublin. Established in 1981, the college delivers the full Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Senior Cycle programmes, integrating a strong emphasis on the Irish language and cultural heritage with a high‑quality academic curriculum. The school’s ethos centres on nurturing students’ intellectual, personal and social development, providing a supportive pastoral framework and a focus on wellbeing. The college offers a broad co‑curricular programme that includes competitive sport, drama, music and the arts, encouraging pupils to explore and develop their talents beyond the classroom. Leadership opportunities are available through a vibrant student council, student‑leadership initiatives and a dedicated parents’ association. Scholarships for Gaeltacht students and participation in national awards such as the Gaisce Awards further enrich the learning environment. Modern facilities support both academic and extracurricular activities, fostering an environment where learners are challenged to achieve their full potential.
History
The college was founded in 1981 with the twin ideals of celebrating Ireland’s cultural and linguistic heritage and delivering a quality education. These guiding principles shaped the thinking of those responsible for its establishment and have since made Coláiste Chilliain a proud model for many all‑Irish schools throughout the country.
Applying to Coláiste Chilliain
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Coláiste Chilliain. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Coláiste Chilliain
How many pupils attend Coláiste Chilliain?
Coláiste Chilliain has 400 pupils enrolled, 224 girls and 176 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Coláiste Chilliain a DEIS school?
No. Coláiste Chilliain is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
Does Coláiste Chilliain teach through Irish?
Yes. Coláiste Chilliain teaches all subjects through Irish.