Doonaha National School
Kilkee, Clare
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 21 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 13 girls, 8 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 12848G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Doonaha National School is a small, two‑teacher, co‑educational primary school located on the scenic Loop Head Peninsula along the Wild Atlantic Way in West Clare. The school caters for 20 pupils ranging from Junior Infants to Sixth Class and benefits from a shared Special Educational Needs teacher as part of a local cluster, ensuring inclusive support for all learners. The curriculum covers every area of the Primary School Curriculum in depth, with a strong emphasis on active, hands‑on learning. Doonaha is proud to be maintaining its Active Schools Flag and is working towards a second Green Flag, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship and healthy school life. Since 2005 the school has participated in the Discover Primary Science Programme and has showcased student work at the R.D.S. Primary Science Fair, highlighting a vibrant focus on scientific inquiry. The school’s mission statement underlines a dedication to equality, self‑worth, respect, fairness and independence for every child. Its ethos is rooted in Christian teachings of faith, justice, peace and tolerance, guiding the community in fostering a nurturing and morally grounded learning environment.
Applying to Doonaha National School
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 primary school dates apply broadly to Doonaha National School. 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: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 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 Doonaha National School
How many pupils attend Doonaha National School?
Doonaha National School has 21 pupils enrolled, 13 girls and 8 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Doonaha National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Doonaha National School 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.
What is the ethos of Doonaha National School?
Doonaha National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.