Gaelscoil na bhFili
Galway
Key facts
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 41 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 22 girls, 19 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20264W the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Gaelscoil na bhFilí is an all‑Irish, multi‑denominational primary school situated in Gort Inse Guaire, Co. Galway, catering for boys and girls from Junior Infants to Sixth Class. The curriculum is delivered through Irish, providing pupils with a strong linguistic foundation while also supporting the development of additional languages. Learning through Irish is highlighted as beneficial both academically and socially, fostering bilingualism that eases the acquisition of third and fourth languages. The school has expanded its facilities since its establishment, adding two new classrooms and a dedicated learning‑support room in 2010. Recent investment under the Irish National Recovery and Resilience Plan (2021) upgraded the IT infrastructure, introducing interactive whiteboards and improving digital access for learners at risk of disadvantage. A healthy eating policy promotes nutritious meals and discourages highly processed foods, while the Aladdin Connect app ensures that all absences are recorded in line with TUSLA requirements. Gaelscoil na bhFilí operates from 8.50 am, with infants finishing at 1.30 pm and other classes at 2.30 pm, and places a strong emphasis on punctuality, attendance and parental involvement in homework.
History
Gaelscoil na bhFilí was founded in 2007 in memory of the local poet Peadar Ó Fathaigh of Peterswell, Co. Galway. Since its inception the school has grown steadily, adding two new classrooms and a learning‑support room in 2010, and continues to develop its facilities and programmes to meet the needs of the surrounding community.
Applying to Gaelscoil na bhFili
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 na bhFili. 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 na bhFili
How many pupils attend Gaelscoil na bhFili?
Gaelscoil na bhFili has 41 pupils enrolled, 22 girls and 19 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gaelscoil na bhFili a DEIS school?
No. Gaelscoil na bhFili 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 na bhFili teach through Irish?
Yes. Gaelscoil na bhFili teaches all subjects through Irish.