Scoil Náisiúnta Cleire
An Sciobairín, Cork
Key facts
- DEIS
- Gaeltacht
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 3 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 1 girls, 2 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 14303U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Náisiúnta Inis Chléire is an all‑Irish, Catholic, co‑educational primary school situated on Cape Clear, the southernmost inhabited Gaeltacht island in Ireland. The school serves children from first to sixth class in a fully Irish‑medium environment, with two dedicated classrooms and a specialised SET (Special Educational Needs) room. Each classroom is equipped with modern teaching resources, including interactive whiteboards, to support a contemporary, interactive learning experience. The school’s educational philosophy centres on providing a high‑quality, child‑centred education through the Irish language, fostering a happy, peaceful and culturally rich atmosphere. Emphasis is placed on the holistic development of each pupil, recognising individual abilities and needs, and encouraging pride in Irish heritage through language, music, dance, drama, sport, history and literacy. Extra‑curricular provision includes weekly swimming lessons at Baltimore Community Leisure Centre, kayaking in the local harbour, and music tuition on instruments such as the tin whistle, recorder, melodica and ukulele, delivered by local musicians. Located on a remote island renowned for its wildlife, the school also offers pupils unique opportunities to observe seabirds, whales, turtles and dolphins, integrating environmental awareness into the broader curriculum.
History
Scoil Náisiúnta Inis Chléire was founded in 1897 as a Gaelscoil on Cape Clear. Since its establishment, it has remained a fully Irish‑medium, Catholic, co‑educational primary school serving the island community, maintaining its commitment to delivering education through the Irish language and preserving local cultural traditions.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Cleire
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 Cleire. 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 Cleire
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Cleire?
Scoil Náisiúnta Cleire has 3 pupils enrolled, 1 girls and 2 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Cleire a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Cleire 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 Náisiúnta Cleire teach through Irish?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Cleire teaches all subjects through Irish. It is also located in a Gaeltacht area.