Gael Sc Mhichil Chiosog
Inis, Clare
Key facts
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 451 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 243 girls, 208 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19838P the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg is a full‑time Irish‑medium primary school situated in Gleann Aibhne, Br. an Ghoirt, Inis, Co. an Chláir. The school’s ethos is to provide a safe, supportive environment that nurtures pupils physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. Learning is active and immersive, with the Irish language used as the medium for all subjects, and a strong emphasis placed on Gaelic culture through music, dance, drama, visual arts and sport. The curriculum is designed to develop high levels of bilingual competence while encouraging curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. The school occupies a purpose‑built campus opened in 1998, which includes modern classrooms, specialist rooms for music and art, and outdoor play areas. An attached Naíonra (early years centre) offers morning and afternoon sessions for younger children, creating a seamless transition into primary education. The school community is closely linked with local cultural organisations, and a wide range of extracurricular activities – from traditional music sessions to virtual carol services – enrich the pupils’ experience and reinforce a vibrant Irish‑speaking community.
History
The roots of Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg lie in a 1979 revival of the Conradh na Gaeilge branch in Inis, which promoted the Irish language locally. In 1981 a commemorative event marked the 1882 founding of *Irisleabhar na Gaedhilge* by Michael Cíosóg, attracting national attention. Following community advocacy, a committee led by Roibeárd Ó Ceallaigh secured funding and opened the school on 2 May 1983, with Domhnall Ó Loingsigh appointed as the first principal. The school moved to prefabricated rooms in 1986 and, in 1998, relocated to a new purpose‑built site in Gleann Aibhne. Further extensions in 2009 increased capacity; enrolments grew from 243 pupils in 2010 to 462 in 2017. The Naíonra has been linked to the school since its early years, providing early‑years provision under the guidance of dedicated staff.
Applying to Gael Sc Mhichil Chiosog
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 Gael Sc Mhichil Chiosog. 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 Gael Sc Mhichil Chiosog
How many pupils attend Gael Sc Mhichil Chiosog?
Gael Sc Mhichil Chiosog has 451 pupils enrolled, 243 girls and 208 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gael Sc Mhichil Chiosog a DEIS school?
No. Gael Sc Mhichil Chiosog 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 Gael Sc Mhichil Chiosog teach through Irish?
Yes. Gael Sc Mhichil Chiosog teaches all subjects through Irish.