Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Colmchille
Donegal
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 231 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 115 girls, 116 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17036P the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Cholmcille, Kilmacrennan is a modern national school that opened its current premises on 31 March 2008, replacing the former building across the road. The campus boasts a well‑equipped gymnasium, a dedicated computer suite and a library, providing a strong foundation for both academic and digital learning. A comprehensive sports‑field development completed in 2010‑11 adds an athletics track, an astro‑turf pitch, a long‑jump area and a grassed playing field, supporting a vibrant programme of Gaelic football, hurling, soccer and cross‑country. The school places a high priority on inclusive education, with a modular ASD unit introduced in 2020‑21 and a second suite added the following year, later expanded by a permanent special‑education extension in September 2024. Environmental stewardship is evident through the installation of 22 solar panels, a school garden with an outdoor classroom and a polytunnel. Scoil Cholmcille has earned national recognitions such as the Digital Schools of Distinction award, the Active School Flag (2023‑24) and multiple Green Flag statuses, reflecting its commitment to sustainability, student leadership via a council and green‑school committee, and a broad range of extracurricular activities including debating, quizzes and cultural programmes in Irish.
History
The origins of education in Kilmacrennan are linked to Saint Colmcille, who received his early schooling at a site believed to be Doire Eithne near the present ruins of the Old Abbey. The name “Colmcille” derives from the children’s nickname for him – “Colum of the Cill”. After his youth, Colmcille founded a Columban monastery in Kilmacrennan in the latter half of the sixth century, which later became known as “Cill Mhic Nenain” (the church of the sons of Nenain). The monastic settlement persisted until its destruction in 1129, after which the site fell into ruin. The modern school continues this long tradition of learning in the community, now serving as a centre for both academic excellence and cultural heritage.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Colmchille
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
View Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Colmchille's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Colmchille. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Naomh Colmchille
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Colmchille?
Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Colmchille has 231 pupils enrolled, 115 girls and 116 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Colmchille a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Colmchille is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Colmchille?
Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Colmchille has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.