Colaiste Chomain
Ballina, Mayo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Gaeltacht
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 29 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 16 girls, 13 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- All pupils taught all subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 72140V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gaelcholáiste Chomáin is a co‑educational Irish‑medium secondary school situated in Ros Dumhach, the heart of the Iorrais Gaeltacht in western County Mayo. The college delivers the full junior and senior cycle through a curriculum delivered entirely through Irish, placing equal emphasis on language, culture and the national tradition. A broad, balanced programme of subjects – from the sciences and business studies to the arts, music and modern foreign languages – is offered, supported by specialist resources and dedicated learning spaces. The school’s ethos centres on inclusive, student‑focused learning in a safe, friendly environment where collaboration and personal development are encouraged. It benefits from DEIS funding, which enhances facilities, provides additional resources for special educational needs and promotes equality of opportunity. Extra‑curricular activities, community‑linked projects and strong ties with local families further enrich the educational experience, preparing pupils for both further education and active citizenship.
History
Gaelcholáiste Chomáin was founded by Gael Linn as a middle school in 1959. In 1972 it came under the management of the County Mayo Vocational Education Committee. The college is now overseen by the Board of Education and Training for Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim.
Applying to Colaiste Chomain
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 Colaiste Chomain. 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 Colaiste Chomain
How many pupils attend Colaiste Chomain?
Colaiste Chomain has 29 pupils enrolled, 16 girls and 13 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Colaiste Chomain a DEIS school?
Yes. Colaiste Chomain is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
Does Colaiste Chomain teach through Irish?
Yes. Colaiste Chomain teaches all subjects through Irish. It is also located in a Gaeltacht area.