Primary school

Gaelscoil Na Ríthe

Meath

Watercolour illustration of the Gaelscoil Na Ríthe building, Dunshaughlin
Illustration of Gaelscoil Na Ríthe.

Key facts

  • Irish-medium
  • Mixed
Pupils enrolled
222 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
Girls and boys
97 girls, 125 boys
Ethos
Catholic
Teaching through Irish
All subjects through Irish
Roll number
19867W the Department of Education reference for this school

School details

Address
Dún Seachlainn, Co. na Mí
Location
Meath
School type
Primary
Latest inspection reports
View on gov.ie

Location

About

Gaelscoil na Ríthe is a full‑Irish language Catholic primary school situated in Domhnach Seachnaill, Co. Mí. The school delivers its curriculum entirely through Irish, positioning the language as the core medium of communication and learning. Children are placed at the centre of the school community and experience a balanced programme that combines active, enjoyable classroom work with a strong emphasis on Gaelic culture, music, dance, drama and sport. The Catholic ethos is woven throughout daily life, with regular sacraments, guidance from the local priest and active parental involvement supporting the spiritual development of each pupil. The school prides itself on a vibrant community spirit, offering a range of extracurricular activities that complement its academic provision. Facilities support a holistic approach to education, encouraging participation in artistic and sporting pursuits while fostering a deep appreciation of Irish heritage and language.

History

Gaelscoil na Ríthe was founded in 1985 as a mixed, full‑Irish language Catholic primary school. From its inception it has upheld a strong Catholic ethos intertwined with Irish cultural traditions, providing sacraments during school hours with the support of parents and the visiting priest.

Applying to Gaelscoil Na Ríthe

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 Ríthe. 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 Ríthe

How many pupils attend Gaelscoil Na Ríthe?

Gaelscoil Na Ríthe has 222 pupils enrolled, 97 girls and 125 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.

Is Gaelscoil Na Ríthe a DEIS school?

No. Gaelscoil Na Ríthe 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 Ríthe teach through Irish?

Yes. Gaelscoil Na Ríthe teaches all subjects through Irish.