Gaelscoil Na Clocha Liatha
Greystones, Wicklow
Key facts
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 227 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 121 girls, 106 boys
- Ethos
- Inter Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20301C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath is a co‑educational, inter‑denominational primary school that provides total‑immersion Irish‑medium education. From Junior Infants the curriculum is delivered entirely through Irish, with formal English lessons only commencing in Term 2 of Senior Infants. The school follows the revised primary curriculum set out by the Department of Education and Skills, adopting a holistic approach that develops each child’s academic, linguistic and personal abilities within a supportive, culturally rich environment. The school benefits from a range of modern facilities, including dedicated classroom spaces, specialist areas for art, music and physical education, and resources for special educational needs. Uniforms, a school calendar and a suite of policies are readily accessible to families, reflecting a well‑organised community. With a growing staff of fifteen class teachers and three special‑education teachers, Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath continues to expand its provision while maintaining a strong emphasis on Irish language, cultural identity and a safe, inclusive atmosphere for all pupils.
History
Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath was established in 2008 under the patronage of An Foras Pátrúnachta, following a parent‑led initiative that began in 2007 to assess local demand for an all‑Irish primary school. The founding group secured funding, obtained planning permission and, in August 2008, received the keys to a shared building with Educate Together. By October 2008 the school moved into its own premises and opened its doors to 24 pupils (17 Junior Infants, 2 Senior Infants and 5 First Class). A Board of Management was formed in November 2008, and a Parents’ Association was quickly established. Over the subsequent decade the school has grown steadily, appointing a principal in 2017 and expanding to fifteen class teachers and three special‑education staff.
Applying to Gaelscoil Na Clocha Liatha
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 Clocha Liatha. 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 Clocha Liatha
How many pupils attend Gaelscoil Na Clocha Liatha?
Gaelscoil Na Clocha Liatha has 227 pupils enrolled, 121 girls and 106 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gaelscoil Na Clocha Liatha a DEIS school?
No. Gaelscoil Na Clocha Liatha 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 Clocha Liatha teach through Irish?
Yes. Gaelscoil Na Clocha Liatha teaches all subjects through Irish.