Gaelscoil Donncha Rua
Sionna, Clare
Key facts
- DEIS
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 68 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 35 girls, 33 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19849U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gaelscoil Donncha Rua is a full‑Irish primary school situated in the heart of Shannon, Co. Clare, adjacent to the Tír na nÓg playground, the Shannon Leisure Centre and St Patrick’s Comprehensive School. The school provides a co‑educational, Catholic‑ethos environment for approximately 76 pupils, delivering the national curriculum entirely through the Irish language. Emphasis is placed on the holistic development of each child, nurturing spiritual, moral, social, personal and physical growth within an enjoyable and inclusive learning atmosphere. The school is staffed by a team of six teachers, including three special‑education teachers and a part‑time special‑education technician, supported by five special‑needs assistants. Dedicated provisions include an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) class, an Early Intervention (Seomra Sonas) pre‑school, and on‑site naíonraí (nursery facilities). Access to the neighbouring sports centre and playground enhances the physical education programme, while the close‑by comprehensive school offers additional collaborative opportunities. The curriculum is delivered in Irish, fostering fluency and cultural awareness while promoting academic excellence.
History
Gaelscoil Donncha Rua was founded in 1984 as a full‑Irish primary school. Since its establishment, the school has grown to serve the local community in Shannon, maintaining its Catholic patronage under the Bishop of Killaloe and continuing to provide inclusive, bilingual education.
Applying to Gaelscoil Donncha Rua
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 Donncha Rua. 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 Donncha Rua
How many pupils attend Gaelscoil Donncha Rua?
Gaelscoil Donncha Rua has 68 pupils enrolled, 35 girls and 33 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gaelscoil Donncha Rua a DEIS school?
Yes. Gaelscoil Donncha Rua 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 Donncha Rua teach through Irish?
Yes. Gaelscoil Donncha Rua teaches all subjects through Irish.