Scoil Chuimín & Caitríona
Oughterard, Galway
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 265 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 124 girls, 141 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20199O the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Chuimín & Caitríona is a Roman Catholic primary school situated in Uachtar Árd, Oughterard. The school’s mission is to promote the full and harmonious development of each pupil – intellectually, physically, culturally, morally and spiritually – within a living relationship with God and the wider community. While the Catholic ethos underpins everyday life, the school welcomes children of all faiths and fosters a culture of respect, kindness and responsibility. A broad, balanced curriculum is delivered alongside a strong emphasis on personal wellbeing, with programmes such as SPHE’s “Walk Tall and Stay Safe” supporting its anti‑bullying policy and inclusive ethos. The school operates from a purpose‑built campus completed in September 2013, after five years on a split site following the 2008 amalgamation of the former Scoil Naoimh Cuimín and Scoil an Chlochair. Facilities accommodate both academic and extracurricular activities, and before/after‑school care is provided for pupils engaged in approved school‑run programmes. The school works closely with the local parish to prepare children for First Holy Communion and Confirmation and celebrates regular masses and assemblies.
History
Scoil Chuimín & Caitríona was formed in 2008 when Scoil Naoimh Cuimín and Scoil an Chlochair amalgamated. The new name reflects two historic figures: Saint Cuimín (c. 592–662), a renowned abbot of Clonfert whose legacy links him to Oughterard, and Catherine McAuley (1778‑1841), founder of the Sisters of Mercy, whose order established a convent in Oughterard in 1858 and later founded Scoil an Chlochair in 1888. After operating on two sites for five years, the school moved into its current purpose‑built premises in September 2013.
Applying to Scoil Chuimín & Caitríona
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 Chuimín & Caitríona. 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 Chuimín & Caitríona
How many pupils attend Scoil Chuimín & Caitríona?
Scoil Chuimín & Caitríona has 265 pupils enrolled, 124 girls and 141 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Chuimín & Caitríona a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Chuimín & Caitríona 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 Chuimín & Caitríona?
Scoil Chuimín & Caitríona has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.