Scoil Adhamhnain
Doire Beaga, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Gaeltacht
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 131 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 73 girls, 58 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17503U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Adhamhnáin Naofa, An Luinnigh, is a mixed, Catholic, Gaeltacht primary school that delivers the full Irish‑medium curriculum. With approximately 131 pupils enrolled, the school places a strong emphasis on Christian values, collaborative learning, good behaviour and respectful conduct as foundations for academic success and personal development. The curriculum recognises the individuality of each child, fostering confidence, self‑esteem and social skills through a broad programme that includes drama, music, swimming, sport and a rich array of cultural events such as the School Drama Festival, An Béal Binn, Seachtain na Gaeilge and various community competitions. The school’s facilities have been continually upgraded. The original 1945 building was refurbished in 1986, and further developments in 2010 added a modern library, a dedicated office for the principal and a new classroom. In 2011 the electrical system was overhauled and interactive technology, including tablets, was introduced across the school. Most recently, 2021 saw the construction of a new sports hall, a staffroom and a resource room, providing a well‑equipped, safe and enjoyable learning environment for pupils and the wider community.
History
The school takes its name from Saint Adhamhnáin, a 7th‑century patron saint of Rath Bóth. The original school at Luinnigh was situated on the main road towards Carraig. In 1945 a new school building was erected on land purchased from Canon Mac Rabhartaigh, comprising three classrooms and accommodating around one hundred pupils by the end of the 1940s. On 17 February 1969 Scoil Bhun an Inbhir opened, adding four classrooms. The school’s reputation for high academic standards attracted students nationwide, and a surge in enrolment during the late 1970s and early 1980s led to a major refurbishment of the old premises, reopening in 1986. Subsequent upgrades include a new library and principal’s office (2010), extensive electrical and ICT improvements (2011), and the addition of a sports hall, staffroom and resource room (2021).
Applying to Scoil Adhamhnain
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 Adhamhnain. 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 Adhamhnain
How many pupils attend Scoil Adhamhnain?
Scoil Adhamhnain has 131 pupils enrolled, 73 girls and 58 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Adhamhnain a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Adhamhnain 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 Adhamhnain teach through Irish?
Yes. Scoil Adhamhnain teaches all subjects through Irish. It is also located in a Gaeltacht area.