Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal
Galway
Key facts
- DEIS
- Gaeltacht
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 19 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 5 girls, 14 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 11290W the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil na Maighdine Muire gan Smál is a Gaeltacht primary school situated in the tranquil village of Camus, in the heart of Conamara, County Galway. The school delivers a high‑quality, Irish‑medium education that is closely linked to Ireland’s cultural heritage and a strong Catholic ethos. Its curriculum is designed to nurture the whole child, fostering mutual respect, care for one another and a sense of community as core values. While rooted in Catholic tradition, the school welcomes children from all backgrounds and encourages an inclusive spirit. The school’s programme is enriched by a wide range of extracurricular projects that celebrate language, arts and science. Pupils regularly take part in initiatives such as Scríobh Leabhar (book‑writing), Stéibh (new‑song competition), Coirm Ghael Linn (drama), Discover Primary Science, the An Brat Glas environmental project, local art competitions, the weekly Seachtain na Gaeilge, and various community‑oriented activities including anti‑racism campaigns and Irish Aid awards. These endeavours create a vibrant, safe and supportive atmosphere that promotes confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of learning.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal
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 Muire gan Smal. 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 Muire gan Smal
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal?
Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal has 19 pupils enrolled, 5 girls and 14 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal 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 Muire gan Smal teach through Irish?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal teaches all subjects through Irish. It is also located in a Gaeltacht area.