Scoil Náisiúnta Aine Naofa
Gort, Galway
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 92 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 40 girls, 52 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17475S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Áine Naofa is a Catholic, co‑educational national school serving children from Junior Infants to Sixth Class. Situated in the parish of Beagh, approximately 6 km south of Gort in County Galway, the school provides a nurturing environment that balances academic learning with a broad range of extracurricular activities. The curriculum is delivered by a team of mainstream and special‑education teachers, supported by several Special Needs Assistants, ensuring personalised attention for all pupils. Recent developments have expanded the school’s facilities, including the addition of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) unit in 2017 and Department of Education funding for two new 80 m² classrooms with ensuite toilets and a dedicated Special Education classroom (currently at the pre‑planning stage). Planning permission was also granted in 2023 for an all‑weather pitch, which will enhance the school’s sporting provision. The school’s ethos centres on creating a friendly, inclusive atmosphere where pupils feel safe, happy and motivated to learn. A diverse programme of curricular and extra‑curricular activities – ranging from science week and cultural crafts to community visits and wellbeing initiatives – supports holistic development and encourages students to engage with Irish heritage, sustainability and personal wellbeing.
History
The school has occupied its present site since the 1860s. Notably, Michael Cusack, the founding father of the GAA, was appointed the first headmaster by Lord Gough when he was only 20 years old. Over the decades the school has undergone numerous improvements, most recently the addition of an ASD unit in 2017 and ongoing plans for further classroom and sports‑facility development.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Aine Naofa
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 Náisiúnta Aine Naofa. 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 Náisiúnta Aine Naofa
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Aine Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Aine Naofa has 92 pupils enrolled, 40 girls and 52 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Aine Naofa a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Aine Naofa 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 Aine Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Aine Naofa has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.