Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair
Leitir Ceannain, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Gaeltacht
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 414 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 222 girls, 192 boys
- Ethos
- Inter Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- All pupils taught all subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 91409A the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair is a full‑time Irish‑language co‑educational secondary school situated in the heart of the Gaeltacht. All teaching and learning take place through Irish, reflecting the school’s commitment to the language as the national and official medium of instruction. The school provides a holistic education that balances academic rigour with a broad programme of extracurricular activities, including athletics, Gaelic football, soccer, basketball, the BT competition, Young Scientist, drama, debate, and various cultural events. With a current enrolment of around 451 pupils – up from 296 in 2011 – the school places the learner at the centre of teaching and learning, fostering a supportive and caring environment where each student can develop confidence and achieve their full potential. The campus has expanded considerably since its establishment. The original school opened officially on 3 May 1982, and subsequent developments have added a sports hall (2012), a football pitch (2001), specialist rooms for science and technology (2005), additional classrooms (2016), and a new learning unit with further rooms (2022). The staff team comprises 43 teachers, seven special‑needs assistants, and a range of support personnel, enabling a wide curriculum and personalised support for all learners. As a DEIS‑registered school, Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair follows a three‑year strategic improvement plan focused on attendance, attainment, literacy, numeracy, wellbeing, parental partnership and community engagement.
History
The school was founded in 1973 following the amalgamation of Ard Scoil Mhuire (a secondary school established in 1957 in Machaire Chlochair) and An Ghairm Scoil (a craft school located in Srath na Corcra since 1966). Initially operating between two buildings, a new purpose‑built facility was constructed on the Luinnigh site and officially opened on 3 May 1982. Since then, the school has continually expanded its premises, adding a football pitch in 2001, a science block in 2005, a sports hall in 2012, further classrooms in 2016, and a new learning unit with additional rooms in 2022, supporting its growing student body and evolving educational provision.
Applying to Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair
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 post-primary school dates apply broadly to Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair. 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: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 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 Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair
How many pupils attend Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair?
Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair has 414 pupils enrolled, 222 girls and 192 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair a DEIS school?
Yes. Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair 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 Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair teach through Irish?
Yes. Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair teaches all subjects through Irish. It is also located in a Gaeltacht area.