Scoil Cholmcille
CARRAIG AIRT, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Gaeltacht
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 37 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 16 girls, 21 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18766L the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Cholmcille, Duibhlinn Riabhach, is an Irish‑medium primary school that delivers a child‑centred curriculum in a nurturing, peaceful and encouraging environment. The school’s motto, “Ag fás agus ag foghlaim le chéile” (Growing and learning together), reflects its commitment to the academic, social and spiritual development of each pupil. Emphasis is placed on the Irish language as the mother‑tongue of instruction, with children engaging in early immersion from their first day, fostering a rich linguistic and cultural foundation. The school benefits from modern digital resources following a 2021 grant under the Irish National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which funded the provision of iPads, laptops and updated teaching materials to bridge the digital divide for learners at risk of disadvantage. With around 40 pupils, the school maintains small class sizes and a supportive staff structure that includes dedicated class teachers and specialist support for Irish language development. Facilities are designed to create a stimulating and safe learning atmosphere where self‑esteem and talent are nurtured through a vibrant curriculum and community involvement.
History
Scoil Cholmcille was founded in 1963 and has since been recognised by An tAonad um Oideachas Gaeltachta as a Gaeltacht school. Today it serves approximately 40 pupils, offering both regular class teaching and specialised Irish language support, and continues to strive for high‑quality education in a stimulating, child‑focused setting.
Applying to Scoil 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 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 Cholmcille
How many pupils attend Scoil Cholmcille?
Scoil Cholmcille has 37 pupils enrolled, 16 girls and 21 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Cholmcille a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil 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 Cholmcille teach through Irish?
Yes. Scoil Cholmcille teaches all subjects through Irish. It is also located in a Gaeltacht area.