Scoil Náisiúnta Dumhach
Achill, Mayo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 28 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 17 girls, 11 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18082E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Dooagh National School (S.N. Dumhach) is a small Catholic co‑educational primary school situated on the western tip of Achill Island, serving a wide rural catchment that includes the villages of Dooagh, Pollagh, Newtown, Keel, Crumpaun and Slievemore. With a roll of around 29 pupils from Junior Infants to Sixth Class, the school provides a close‑knit learning environment where each child receives personalised attention. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on the Irish language, reflected in the school’s bilingual motto “Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam” and regular Irish‑language activities. The school’s facilities comprise four classrooms, an Additional Educational Teaching (AET) room, a multipurpose purpose‑room and a modest staff/office area. Recent refurbishments in 2001 and again in 2021 have modernised the premises while retaining the historic character of the original 1959 building. A dedicated school bus links the dispersed community, and the school day runs from 9.10 am to 2.50 pm for senior classes and 1.50 pm for infants. Environmental stewardship is a core value, demonstrated by the achievement of multiple Green Flag awards and active participation in the Green School programme.
History
Dooagh National School was constructed in 1959 to serve the Achill Island community. In 1976 the neighbouring Crumpaun School was amalgamated into Dooagh NS, expanding its catchment area. Major renovations were undertaken in 2001 and most recently in 2021, updating classrooms and facilities while preserving the school’s historic role as the most westerly primary school on the island.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Dumhach
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 Dumhach. 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 Dumhach
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Dumhach?
Scoil Náisiúnta Dumhach has 28 pupils enrolled, 17 girls and 11 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Dumhach a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Dumhach 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.
What is the ethos of Scoil Náisiúnta Dumhach?
Scoil Náisiúnta Dumhach has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.