Gaelscoil Thiobraid Arann
Baile Thiobraid Árann, Tipperary
Key facts
- DEIS
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 107 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 64 girls, 43 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20027I the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gaelscoil Thiobraid Arann is a full‑time Irish‑medium primary school serving the town of Thurles and its surrounding community. The school delivers the national curriculum through the medium of Gaeilge, aiming to develop fluent Irish speakers who are confident learners, critical thinkers and active citizens. Learning is organised into mixed‑age classes (Rang a hAon/Dó) and dedicated year groups for junior (Rang 3+4) and senior pupils, with a strong emphasis on collaborative projects, cultural immersion and the use of modern educational technology, as showcased in the school’s virtual tour. The school’s facilities include a purpose‑built classroom block, a dedicated “Scoil Ghlas” eco‑school programme, and specialised spaces for creative and physical education such as a drama studio and outdoor play areas. Extra‑curricular initiatives such as the Roots of Empathy programme, a memorial tree video project and a range of community‑led events reinforce the school’s commitment to social‑emotional development and environmental stewardship. Communication with families is facilitated through bilingual policies, a regularly updated blog, newsletters and active social‑media channels.
History
Gaelscoil Thiobraid Arann was established in March 1995. In March 2020 the school marked its 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter‑century of providing Irish‑medium education to the children of Thurles and highlighting its growth from modest beginnings to a well‑established centre of learning.
Applying to Gaelscoil Thiobraid Arann
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 Thiobraid Arann. 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 Thiobraid Arann
How many pupils attend Gaelscoil Thiobraid Arann?
Gaelscoil Thiobraid Arann has 107 pupils enrolled, 64 girls and 43 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gaelscoil Thiobraid Arann a DEIS school?
Yes. Gaelscoil Thiobraid Arann is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
Does Gaelscoil Thiobraid Arann teach through Irish?
Yes. Gaelscoil Thiobraid Arann teaches all subjects through Irish.