Gaelscoil Na Cille
ASHBOURNE, Meath
Key facts
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 227 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 123 girls, 104 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19779C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gaelscoil na Cille is a co‑educational primary school situated in Cill Dhéagláin, Ashbourne, Co. Meath. As a Gaelscoil, the curriculum (apart from English) is delivered through the medium of Irish, fostering fluency and a deep appreciation of Gaelic culture. The school prides itself on creating a vibrant learning community where children are encouraged to explore, experiment and develop a lifelong love of learning in a bilingual environment. The school places a strong emphasis on safety and wellbeing, providing a nurturing atmosphere in which pupils can grow academically, socially and emotionally. Its facilities include a modern school hall, well‑equipped classrooms and a range of amenities designed to support both curricular and extracurricular activities such as crafts, games and sport. Uniform and a clear set of policies underpin a structured yet flexible setting that promotes respect, cultural pride and active participation from the whole school community.
History
Gaelscoil na Cille was founded in 1981 by a small group of dedicated parents who wanted an Irish‑medium education for their children. The school opened on 1 September 1981 with forty‑five pupils and two teachers, initially housed in the old parish school beside Ashbourne church. By 1983 every class level was represented, and a new purpose‑built school building was completed in 1994 thanks to extensive parental fundraising. The school celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2021 with a series of open‑day events and exhibitions, marking four decades of commitment to Gaelic heritage and primary education.
Applying to Gaelscoil Na Cille
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.
School-published admissions links
These links come from the school's published admissions material. Check the school year shown before relying on dates or place numbers.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Gaelscoil Na Cille. 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 Cille
How many pupils attend Gaelscoil Na Cille?
Gaelscoil Na Cille has 227 pupils enrolled, 123 girls and 104 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gaelscoil Na Cille a DEIS school?
No. Gaelscoil Na Cille 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 Cille teach through Irish?
Yes. Gaelscoil Na Cille teaches all subjects through Irish.