Scoil Náisiúnta Aonghusa
DROICHEAD ATHA, Louth
Key facts
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 147 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 71 girls, 76 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19740V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Naisiunta Aonghusa is a co‑educational primary school in Drogheda serving children aged 4‑13. All subjects, apart from English, are taught through the medium of Irish, making Irish the principal language of communication throughout the school day. The school embraces a Catholic ethos while welcoming families of all backgrounds, fostering a community of teachers, pupils and parents who work together to achieve high‑quality education rooted in respect for Irish culture and language. The curriculum is delivered entirely in Irish, encouraging pupils to engage fully with learning and school life in the language. Emphasis is placed on developing each child’s talents, confidence and social skills, with close cooperation between home and school to support personal growth. The school’s ethos highlights respect, cultural awareness and the nurturing of a positive outlook towards the Irish language, aiming to create happy, safe and well‑rounded learners. Facilities have expanded since the school’s modest beginnings, now comprising eight classrooms and a dedicated building at Geata an Domhnaigh (the former St Joseph’s Secondary School). The premises provide ample space for classroom learning, extracurricular activities and community events, reinforcing the school’s commitment to a supportive and vibrant educational environment.
History
Scoil Naisiunta Aonghusa opened in January 1981, founded by a group of parents keen to provide Irish‑medium education in Drogheda. The inaugural class consisted of ten pupils and a single teacher, meeting in Villa Maria on Fair Street. In 1984 the school moved to Bells House on Wellington Quay, then later to the Enterprise Centre on Mayoralty Street as enrolments grew. By February 1993 the school settled in its permanent home at Geata an Domhnaigh, the former St Joseph’s Secondary School, with the official opening performed by Minister Niamh Breathnach on 30 September 1993. Since then the school has expanded to eight classes, employing ten teachers and educating around 200 pupils, while maintaining its commitment to full‑Irish instruction and Catholic values.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Aonghusa
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 Aonghusa. 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 Aonghusa
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Aonghusa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Aonghusa has 147 pupils enrolled, 71 girls and 76 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Aonghusa a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Aonghusa 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.
Does Scoil Náisiúnta Aonghusa teach through Irish?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Aonghusa teaches all subjects through Irish.