Gaelscoil Atha 1
Baile Átha Í, Kildare
Key facts
- DEIS
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 151 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 64 girls, 87 boys
- Ethos
- Inter Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20192A the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gaelscoil Átha Í is a full‑Irish medium primary school founded in 2004, serving the community of Átha Í and surrounding areas. The school delivers its curriculum entirely through Irish, fostering bilingual competence and a strong cultural identity. Its ethos is encapsulated in the motto *“Ní neart go cur le chéile”* – strength through togetherness – which underpins a collaborative learning environment where pupils are encouraged to develop confidence, creativity and critical thinking. The school places a strong emphasis on holistic development, offering a broad programme that includes music, storytelling, and the arts, highlighted by the school song that celebrates the “Laochraí na Bearú” (Heroes of the Youth). Resources such as a dedicated vision document, mission statement, and bilingualism information are readily available to support families. Practical provisions include a free primary schoolbooks scheme, with pupils (apart from infants) bringing their own stationery, and comprehensive supply lists to ensure readiness for each class. Parents are supported through a dedicated portal offering calendars, policy documents, and communication channels, reinforcing a partnership between home and school that promotes the academic and personal growth of every child.
History
Gaelscoil Átha Í was established in 2004, more than twenty years ago, as a full‑Irish medium school. Since its inception the school has celebrated the achievements of its pupils, referred to as “Laochraí na Bearú”, who have passed through its doors. The school’s history reflects a continued commitment to Irish language education and community involvement.
Applying to Gaelscoil Atha 1
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
View Gaelscoil Atha 1's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Gaelscoil Atha 1. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Atha 1
How many pupils attend Gaelscoil Atha 1?
Gaelscoil Atha 1 has 151 pupils enrolled, 64 girls and 87 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gaelscoil Atha 1 a DEIS school?
Yes. Gaelscoil Atha 1 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 Gaelscoil Atha 1 teach through Irish?
Yes. Gaelscoil Atha 1 teaches all subjects through Irish.