Gaelscoil Riada
Gorteenacra, Galway
Key facts
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 158 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 86 girls, 72 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20237T the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gaelscoil Riada is an Irish‑medium primary school situated in the eastern part of Galway, offering a full immersion curriculum that nurtures fluency in the Irish language alongside the national curriculum. Since its establishment in September 2006, the school has grown into a vibrant community hub, providing a supportive environment for pupils to develop academically, socially and culturally through the medium of Irish. The school’s ethos centres on fostering a love of learning, respect for Irish heritage and encouraging active participation in both local and wider community life. The school is currently preparing for a major development phase, having secured full planning permission from An Bord Pleanála to construct a new state‑of‑the‑art campus that will house An Teach Spraoi Naíonra (early years provision) and Coláiste an Eachréidh (secondary phase). This expansion, undertaken in close collaboration with the Department of Education, will enhance facilities, provide modern learning spaces and reinforce the school’s commitment to delivering high‑quality, Irish‑language education throughout the region.
History
Gaelscoil Riada was founded in September 2006, emerging from the vision of the founding members of both Coláiste an Eachréidh and Naíonra An Teach Spraoi. The school has patiently awaited the granting of official planning permission, which was finally received from An Bord Pleanála, marking a significant milestone in its development. This permission paves the way for the construction of new facilities that will further solidify the school’s role as a centre for Irish‑medium education in East Galway.
Applying to Gaelscoil Riada
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 Riada. 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 Riada
How many pupils attend Gaelscoil Riada?
Gaelscoil Riada has 158 pupils enrolled, 86 girls and 72 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gaelscoil Riada a DEIS school?
No. Gaelscoil Riada 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 Riada teach through Irish?
Yes. Gaelscoil Riada teaches all subjects through Irish.