Coláiste Ide
Daingean Uí Chúis, Kerry
Key facts
- Gaeltacht
- Irish-medium
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 123 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All pupils taught all subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 61301I the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Coláiste Íde is the only surviving all‑Irish, full‑time, second‑level boarding school for girls in Ireland. Situated in the scenic Gaeltacht of Leithinis, County Kerry, the college occupies a 107‑acre estate of which roughly 57 acres are native woodland, providing a tranquil environment for study and outdoor learning. The school delivers the junior and senior cycle curriculum through Irish, fostering fluency and cultural immersion while preparing pupils for the state examinations. Boarding is integral to the college’s ethos, with purpose‑built residential facilities, supervised study areas and a comprehensive pastoral programme that supports students’ academic and personal development. The campus offers a wide range of facilities to complement the academic programme. Modern classrooms are complemented by specialist rooms for science, art and technology, while extensive sports and recreation provisions, including a sports hall, playing fields and organised outdoor activities, encourage physical wellbeing. A dedicated dining service provides nutritious meals, and the school’s uniform and equipment provisions ensure a cohesive community identity. Enrolments for the 2025/26 academic year are now open, reflecting the college’s continued commitment to providing a high‑quality, Irish‑medium education in a supportive boarding setting.
History
Coláiste Íde (Teach Burnham) was founded in 1928 as the sole full‑time Irish‑medium boarding school for girls in Ireland, located in Leithinis, Corca Dhuibhne, about two miles from Daingean. The main house, Teach Burnham, dates from 1790 and stands on land once owned by the Lord of Fionn Trá. The Sisters of Mercy operated the college as a teacher‑training institution until 1961, after which it functioned as a full‑time Irish‑medium secondary school for girls until its closure in 1996. In response, a group of parents established the charitable company Cairde Choláiste Íde Teoranta, which secured a 30‑year lease on the estate from 1996. This lease was terminated by the Sisters of Mercy in August 2014, after which the school continued under the stewardship of the parent‑run organisation.
Applying to Coláiste Ide
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 Ide. 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 Ide
How many pupils attend Coláiste Ide?
Coláiste Ide has 123 pupils enrolled. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Coláiste Ide a DEIS school?
No. Coláiste Ide 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 Ide teach through Irish?
Yes. Coláiste Ide teaches all subjects through Irish. It is also located in a Gaeltacht area.