Scoil Náisiúnta Cathair Geal
Tuam, Galway
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 124 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 68 girls, 56 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17807R the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Naisiunta Cathair Geal is a mixed, rural primary school situated in the gentle countryside of East Galway, just a short drive from Tuam. The school operates under the patronage of the Archdiocese of Tuam and embraces a Catholic ethos centred on love, forgiveness, kindness and respect, while welcoming pupils and families of all faiths and none. A warm, caring environment is fostered through strong partnership with parents and the wider community, encouraging inclusion and catering for the diverse needs and abilities of every child. The school benefits from modern, state‑of‑the‑art facilities that were completed in 2017, following a community‑led building programme. On‑site provision includes a breakfast club, homework club and the Little Hands Montessori programme, which enriches early years learning. Extra‑curricular provision is highlighted through a Green School initiative, music, sport (particularly Gaelic football) and the arts, reflected in the symbolism of the school crest.
History
Cahergal National School opened in late 1952, replacing the earlier Garra National School and was initially staffed by Mr and Mrs Conroy and Miss Curran. The original building served the community for 65 years. After a prolonged campaign, a new, modern school building was constructed on a site purchased by the Department of Education, with work commencing in August 2016 and the facility opening in September 2017. The old school was demolished in July 2017, marking a transition from the historic premises to the contemporary centre that serves pupils today.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Cathair Geal
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 Cathair Geal. 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 Cathair Geal
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Cathair Geal?
Scoil Náisiúnta Cathair Geal has 124 pupils enrolled, 68 girls and 56 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Cathair Geal a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Cathair Geal 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 Cathair Geal?
Scoil Náisiúnta Cathair Geal has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.