Gaelscoil Chluain Meala
Cluain Meala, Tipperary
Key facts
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 315 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 165 girls, 150 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20007C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gaelscoil Chluain Meala is a vibrant Irish‑medium primary school situated in the Gaeltacht‑style community of Irishtown, Clonmel, County Tipperary. The school currently operates twelve classrooms ranging from Junior Infants to Sixth Year and is staffed by a full‑time team of fifteen educators. Its curriculum is delivered entirely through Irish, with the language woven into everyday life – it is spoken in classrooms, on the playground and in the staff room, fostering an immersive environment that promotes early fluency and cultural continuity. The school’s educational philosophy centres on developing confident, bilingual learners who are well‑rounded in both academic and social skills. Emphasis is placed on interactive learning, collaborative projects and the use of modern teaching resources to support a dynamic classroom experience. With a modest but well‑equipped learning centre, outdoor play areas and dedicated spaces for music and art, Gaelscoil Chluain Meala provides a supportive setting that encourages curiosity, creativity and a strong sense of community among its pupils.
Applying to Gaelscoil Chluain Meala
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 Chluain Meala. 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 Chluain Meala
How many pupils attend Gaelscoil Chluain Meala?
Gaelscoil Chluain Meala has 315 pupils enrolled, 165 girls and 150 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gaelscoil Chluain Meala a DEIS school?
No. Gaelscoil Chluain Meala 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 Chluain Meala teach through Irish?
Yes. Gaelscoil Chluain Meala teaches all subjects through Irish.