Gaelscoil Bharra
Ascal an Fhasaigh, Dublin
Key facts
- DEIS
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 212 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 99 girls, 113 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20047O the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gaelscoil Bharra is an Irish‑medium primary school situated in Cabra, Dublin 7, providing education through the Irish language for children in the local community. The school operates within a purpose‑built permanent building and is overseen by a dedicated board of management. Its curriculum follows the national framework while placing a strong emphasis on cultural heritage, language immersion and the development of confident, bilingual learners. Facilities support a broad range of activities, including sports, arts and technology, reflecting the school’s commitment to a well‑rounded education. The ethos of Gaelscoil Bharra is rooted in the cultural revival that inspired its founding, fostering a supportive environment where pupils can engage with Irish traditions and contemporary learning. The school maintains links with other Irish‑medium schools both nationally and internationally, and offers a range of extracurricular programmes coordinated by a committed staff team. Parents are encouraged to participate through the school’s committee structures and regular communication channels.
History
Gaelscoil Bharra was established in 1996 by members of the Naomh Fionnbarra GAA club as part of a community‑driven cultural revival in Cabra. The school opened with a single teacher and 26 pupils; by 2003 enrolment had expanded to 220 pupils. It primarily serves families from Dublin 7, with the majority of students coming from the Cabra area. Today it is one of nearly 200 Gaelscoileanna operating across Ireland.
Applying to Gaelscoil Bharra
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 Bharra. 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 Bharra
How many pupils attend Gaelscoil Bharra?
Gaelscoil Bharra has 212 pupils enrolled, 99 girls and 113 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gaelscoil Bharra a DEIS school?
Yes. Gaelscoil Bharra 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 Bharra teach through Irish?
Yes. Gaelscoil Bharra teaches all subjects through Irish.