Gaelscoil Eirne
Béal Átha Seannaigh, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 29 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 18 girls, 11 boys
- Ethos
- Inter Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20167B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Gaelscoil Éirne is a small, Irish‑medium primary school situated in Ballyshannon, County Donegal. Despite its modest size, the school benefits from a strong, close‑knit community that welcomes every child. The ethos centres on creating a happy, safe and nurturing environment where pupils can thrive academically and socially. Learning is delivered through a collaborative partnership between the school staff and parents, ensuring that each child receives personalised support and encouragement. The curriculum is delivered entirely through the medium of Irish, promoting fluency and cultural appreciation from an early age. Small class sizes allow for individualised attention and a high standard of education, while a range of extracurricular activities – such as science workshops and community projects – provide ample opportunities for pupils to explore interests beyond the classroom. Modern facilities, including dedicated learning spaces for each year group, support a dynamic and engaging learning experience. Gaelscoil Éirne places a strong emphasis on parental involvement and community engagement, fostering a supportive network that enhances both pupil wellbeing and academic achievement. The school’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its continual pursuit of innovative teaching practices and a vibrant school life.
Applying to Gaelscoil Eirne
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 Eirne. 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 Eirne
How many pupils attend Gaelscoil Eirne?
Gaelscoil Eirne has 29 pupils enrolled, 18 girls and 11 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gaelscoil Eirne a DEIS school?
Yes. Gaelscoil Eirne 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 Eirne teach through Irish?
Yes. Gaelscoil Eirne teaches all subjects through Irish.