Gaelscoil Inse Chor
Baile Átha Cliath 8, Dublin
Key facts
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 209 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 109 girls, 100 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19589U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gaelscoil Inse Chór is a full‑Irish primary school situated in Dublin 8, adjacent to the historic Gairdíní Cuimhneacháin and a short walk from several of Ireland’s most historic sites. The school currently accommodates nine classes with around 240 pupils, delivering the entire curriculum through the Irish language. This immersion approach ensures that every subject – from mathematics to science – is taught in Irish, with the aim that all children leave the school fluent and confident in the language. The school’s ethos places a strong emphasis on the wellbeing of each child, fostering a safe, happy and supportive environment where personal development is prioritised alongside academic achievement. The school’s facilities have developed considerably since its modest beginnings. After several relocations, the purpose‑built campus in Islandbridge was opened in September 1988 and now provides dedicated classrooms, a sports hall and access to a range of extracurricular activities. A vibrant sporting programme includes Gaelic football, soccer, swimming, athletics, and rugby, while the arts are well represented through music (ukulele, guitar, fiddle), dance, visual arts and yoga sessions conducted in Irish. The school also promotes environmental stewardship, identifying itself as a “Scoile Ghlas” (green school) and integrating sustainability themes into its culture.
History
Gaelscoil Inse Chór was established in 1977 following a public meeting in May of that year that resolved to create a full‑Irish primary school in the Inse Chór area. A general election in June 1977 secured a commitment from the Minister for Education, Peadar De Barra, to grant provisional recognition. The school opened on 5 September 1977 with twelve children in the Emmet Road community centre. In 1979 it moved to St Jude’s Parish Hall, and a campaign for a permanent site in the nearby Gairdíní Cuimhneacháin led to protests and political support throughout 1979‑1980. After temporary accommodation at Scoil Choilm on Ard Macha Road, further advocacy resulted in a promise from Minister Éanna Ó Cionnaith in April 1986 to commence construction. The new building in Islandbridge welcomed pupils on 1 September 1988 and was officially opened on 27 September 1988.
Applying to Gaelscoil Inse Chor
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 Inse Chor. 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 Inse Chor
How many pupils attend Gaelscoil Inse Chor?
Gaelscoil Inse Chor has 209 pupils enrolled, 109 girls and 100 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gaelscoil Inse Chor a DEIS school?
No. Gaelscoil Inse Chor 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 Inse Chor teach through Irish?
Yes. Gaelscoil Inse Chor teaches all subjects through Irish.