Scoil na mBraithre
Kerry
Key facts
- DEIS
- Gaeltacht
- Irish-medium
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 67 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16703A the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Iognáid Rís – commonly known as Dingle Boys School – is a primary institution serving the Daingean Uí Chúis community in County Kerry. The school provides a Gaelic‑medium education for boys, combining a strong academic curriculum with a vibrant programme of extracurricular activities. Pupils benefit from modern facilities, including high‑speed broadband supplied through the Department of Education’s School Broadband Programme, which supports digital learning across the curriculum. Dedicated spaces for art, music, drama and practical subjects such as cooking are highlighted through regular gallery exhibitions and projects like “Kids in the Kitchen”, encouraging creativity and hands‑on experience. The school places a high priority on student wellbeing and safeguarding, with up‑to‑date policies covering child protection, anti‑bullying, internet use and parental engagement. A well‑structured pastoral system ensures that each child receives personalised support, while the school’s ethos promotes respect for Irish language and culture. Regular communication with families and a strong community focus are evident in the range of newsletters, news updates and the active use of social media platforms.
History
The Brothers first arrived in Daingean in 1848, responding to a call to provide education for local boys. With no existing school, they opened the inaugural classroom in Halla Linéadach on Sráid Eóin that same year. Rapid growth led to the construction of a new school on a historic site dating from 1702, featuring a distinctive L‑shaped layout to maximise sunlight for the pupils. By 1895 the institution comprised both a primary (bunscoil) and a junior (meánscoil) section. In 1965 a new primary building was erected adjacent to the monastery, and the junior school was incorporated into the monastic complex. In 2007 the boys transitioned to the larger Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, reflecting ongoing development and adaptation to contemporary educational needs.
Applying to Scoil na mBraithre
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 na mBraithre. 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 na mBraithre
How many pupils attend Scoil na mBraithre?
Scoil na mBraithre has 67 pupils enrolled. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil na mBraithre a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil na mBraithre 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 na mBraithre teach through Irish?
Yes. Scoil na mBraithre teaches all subjects through Irish. It is also located in a Gaeltacht area.