Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille
Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Gaeltacht
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 28 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 13 girls, 15 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19260H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Cholmcille Naofa is a small rural national school situated in Baile na Finne (Fintown), County Donegal, serving boys and girls from Junior Infants to 6th Class (approximately ages 4‑12). As a Gaeltacht community school, Irish (Gaeilge) forms an integral part of daily life, with bilingual instruction that balances the Irish language with the English curriculum. The school prides itself on a close‑knit, family‑like atmosphere where community, culture and heritage are woven into the learning experience. The curriculum is enriched by a range of extracurricular programmes, including Gaelic sports, music, and a Green School initiative that promotes environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Modern facilities such as a dedicated computer room and recent building extensions support contemporary teaching methods while the surrounding hills and Lough Finn provide a natural backdrop for outdoor learning and physical activity. Overall, Scoil Cholmcille Naofa offers a nurturing environment that combines academic rigour with cultural immersion, encouraging pupils to develop both scholastic skills and a strong sense of local identity.
History
Education in the Fintown area dates back to the 19th century, originally provided by several small national schools scattered across the mountainous region. During the 1960s and 1970s, declining rural populations and improved transport led to the consolidation of these schools, with Lough Muck National School closing in 1963. Scoil Cholmcille Naofa emerged as the central primary school for the community, continuing a long tradition of local education. The current building has been updated and extended over the years, adding facilities such as a computer room to meet modern educational needs while retaining its historic community spirit.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille
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 Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille. 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 Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille?
Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille has 28 pupils enrolled, 13 girls and 15 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille 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 Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille teach through Irish?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Cholmcille teaches all subjects through Irish. It is also located in a Gaeltacht area.