Gaelscoil An Duinninigh
Bóthar Fhaol Droma, Dublin
Key facts
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 380 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 212 girls, 168 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19898K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gaelscoil an Duinnínigh is a full‑time Irish‑medium primary school (Gaelscoil chaitliceach) situated in Drynam, Swords, County Dublin. It provides co‑educational provision from Naíonáin (early years) through to Rang 6, with a daily timetable running from 08:55 am to 14:35 pm. The school’s ethos is rooted in delivering a high‑quality, inclusive education through the medium of Irish, fostering a love of the language, Gaelic culture, music, sport and the arts. A strong emphasis is placed on creating a safe, enjoyable and supportive environment where pupils can develop confidence, self‑esteem and a lifelong enthusiasm for learning. The campus supports a broad range of activities: organised physical education, drama productions, musical events and partnerships with local community groups. Facilities accommodate both academic and extracurricular pursuits, enabling children to engage in sport, creative expression and collaborative projects. The school’s mission highlights the provision of an equitable, Gaelic‑rich setting that nurtures personal growth and prepares students for life beyond the classroom.
History
Gaelscoil an Duinnínigh was founded in mid‑August 1986 in a pre‑fabricated classroom at Pobalscoil Íosa, Malahide, initially with one teacher and fourteen pupils. In 1992 the school relocated to its permanent site in Drynam, Swords, where it has continued to expand and develop. The school is named in honour of Fr Pádraig Ó Duinnín, a local priest who contributed to the Irish language through his bilingual dictionary. Since its modest beginnings, the school has grown into a thriving Irish‑medium primary school serving the local community.
Applying to Gaelscoil An Duinninigh
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 Gaelscoil An Duinninigh. 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 Gaelscoil An Duinninigh
How many pupils attend Gaelscoil An Duinninigh?
Gaelscoil An Duinninigh has 380 pupils enrolled, 212 girls and 168 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gaelscoil An Duinninigh a DEIS school?
No. Gaelscoil An Duinninigh 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 Gaelscoil An Duinninigh teach through Irish?
Yes. Gaelscoil An Duinninigh teaches all subjects through Irish.