Gaelscoil Thaobh Na Coille
An Chéim, Dublin
Key facts
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 402 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 211 girls, 191 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20020R the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gaelscoil Thaobh na Coille is a full‑Irish language primary school that welcomes every child regardless of linguistic, social, religious or national background. The school follows a holistic educational philosophy, aiming to nurture intellectual, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development within a supportive, inclusive environment. As a state‑funded free school under the patronage of the Gaelscoil Schools’ Patronage Body, it operates in line with the Department of Education’s standard curriculum while delivering all learning through Irish. The school’s purpose‑built campus, opened in May 2009 in Eastáit Bheallairmín, provides sixteen bright, spacious classrooms, large‑size rooms for specialist teaching, multi‑use spaces and a well‑equipped assembly hall. Modern facilities support a wide range of activities, from arts and sports to technology‑enhanced learning, ensuring pupils have access to a rich, varied programme. Strong parental partnership is a cornerstone of the school community, with parents actively involved in governance and development through the Parents’ Committee and the Board of Management. Gaelscoil Thaobh na Coille places a strong emphasis on the Irish language, not only as a medium of instruction but also as a cultural cornerstone, fostering fluency and confidence in pupils. The school’s inclusive ethos, modern facilities and collaborative community spirit make it a vibrant centre for primary education in the Ath an Ghaineimh area.
History
The idea for a local Irish‑medium primary school was first raised by a group of parents in 1993, who sought an alternative to the existing Gaelscoileanna in the wider region. Gaelscoil Thaobh na Coille officially opened its doors on 1 May 1995 with twenty preschool children, initially operating from a temporary club‑house in Palmerston, Kilternan. After thirteen years in provisional premises, the school moved to a permanent, purpose‑built building on 1 May 2009, featuring sixteen classrooms, specialist rooms and a multi‑use hall. In 1998 the school received permanent recognition from the Department of Education. Continued growth saw the addition of a second class stream by 2016/2017, and today the school educates approximately 450 pupils.
Applying to Gaelscoil Thaobh Na Coille
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 Thaobh Na Coille. 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 Thaobh Na Coille
How many pupils attend Gaelscoil Thaobh Na Coille?
Gaelscoil Thaobh Na Coille has 402 pupils enrolled, 211 girls and 191 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gaelscoil Thaobh Na Coille a DEIS school?
No. Gaelscoil Thaobh Na Coille 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 Thaobh Na Coille teach through Irish?
Yes. Gaelscoil Thaobh Na Coille teaches all subjects through Irish.