Gaelscoil Dara
An Rinn Mhór, Galway
Key facts
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 419 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 223 girls, 196 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19858V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gaelscoil Dara is a full‑time Catholic primary school (scoil lánghaelach Caitliceach) situated in An Rinn Mhór, Galway. Operating under the patronage of the Archbishop of Galway, the school delivers a high‑quality curriculum entirely through the Irish language, aiming for pupils to become fluent and effectively bilingual by the senior years. The immersion approach is reinforced by a vibrant cultural programme that includes traditional music, singing, dancing, Gaelic games and a strong focus on drama and storytelling, which together nurture confidence, self‑esteem and language development. The school promotes an inclusive, egalitarian ethos where respect for every individual is central. A positive, supportive atmosphere is cultivated from the first day, encouraging parental involvement and community partnership. Gaelscoil Dara also offers a range of extra‑curricular activities and events – such as the Féile na hInse Baboró, school drama festivals, book weeks, the An Bratach Glas competition and inter‑school sports – providing pupils with ample opportunities to engage with Irish heritage and contemporary community life. Facilities include dedicated early years (Naíonra) classrooms, primary year groups, and after‑school care provision.
History
Gaelscoil Dara was founded in 1984 as a Catholic primary school under the patronage of the Archbishop of Galway. Since its establishment, the school has grown substantially while maintaining its commitment to delivering high‑standard education through the Irish language and fostering cultural immersion.
Applying to Gaelscoil Dara
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 Dara. 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 Dara
How many pupils attend Gaelscoil Dara?
Gaelscoil Dara has 419 pupils enrolled, 223 girls and 196 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gaelscoil Dara a DEIS school?
No. Gaelscoil Dara 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 Dara teach through Irish?
Yes. Gaelscoil Dara teaches all subjects through Irish.