Scoil Náisiúnta Aodha Naofa
Kilbeggan, Westmeath
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 27 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 22 girls, 5 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17882I the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Naisiunta Aodha Naofa is a small, community‑focused primary school situated in the historic village of Rahugh, County Westmeath. The school operates with a two‑teacher model, allowing for personalised attention and small class sizes that foster strong relationships between pupils and staff. The curriculum blends traditional Irish educational values with contemporary resources, incorporating iPads and laptops alongside classic teaching tools such as stone slates and chalk. A strong emphasis is placed on Gaelic games, music and the arts, encouraging pupils to develop both physical and creative skills through regular football, music programmes and participation in local cultural events. The campus benefits from a range of well‑maintained facilities. Recent refurbishments have added a new classroom, upgraded roofing, windows, doors and extensive insulation, as well as modern electrical, plumbing and security systems. Outdoor amenities include a levelled football pitch, a games court, resurfaced car parking, and secure boundary walls. A spring‑fed well provides a constant supply of fresh water, underscoring the school’s commitment to a healthy, sustainable environment for its learners.
History
Scoil Aodha Naofa, named after the 6th‑century Saint Hugh (St. Aedh Mac Brice), traces its roots to a monastery founded in Rahugh during the early medieval period. The first formal school in the area operated at Ardan from the 1840s until a purpose‑built building near the church was opened on 2 November 1886. A new school site of two and a half acres was generously donated in 1950 by Joseph Dunne, enabling the construction of the present premises, which opened in 1952. Over the decades the school has expanded its facilities through volunteer effort and community donations, adding classrooms, a football pitch, and modern infrastructure. It has enjoyed notable sporting success, particularly in Westmeath Cumann na mBunscol football, and a vibrant tradition in music and the arts.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Aodha 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 Aodha 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 Aodha Naofa
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Aodha Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Aodha Naofa has 27 pupils enrolled, 22 girls and 5 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Aodha Naofa a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Aodha 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 Aodha Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Aodha Naofa has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.