Scoil Náisiúnta Fhionnain
An Fál Carrach, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Gaeltacht
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 204 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 97 girls, 107 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17704H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Naisiunta Fhionnain is a mixed primary school situated in Baile Chonaill, An Fál Carrach, Co. Dhún nGall. The school provides a child‑centred curriculum that draws on Gaelic, Christian and Irish cultural heritage, aiming to nurture respect for every individual while developing pupils’ academic, linguistic and social skills. Emphasis is placed on the Irish language, cultural traditions and the values of the local community, creating an environment where children feel rooted in their identity and confident to explore the wider world. The school serves approximately 180 pupils from Junior Infants through to Sixth Class and offers inclusive provision for children with autism and other special educational needs, with dedicated classes introduced in 2020 and 2022. Facilities include a main teaching block, a hall used for drama, music and community events, and access to outdoor spaces for sports and environmental projects such as the Green Schools programme. Regular cultural activities – including drama productions, music performances and parish masses – enrich the curriculum and foster strong links with families and the wider community.
History
Scoil Naisiunta Fhionnain was founded in 1949 as a mixed, Catholic, Irish‑medium school under the patronage of the Bishop of Raphoe. The school is located just outside the village of Baile Chonaill, adjacent to St Fionán’s Church. As part of its inclusion strategy, a dedicated class for children with autism was opened in mid‑2020, followed by an additional specialised class in mid‑2022. Today the school continues to serve the local community with a roll of around 180 pupils.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Fhionnain
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 Fhionnain. 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 Fhionnain
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Fhionnain?
Scoil Náisiúnta Fhionnain has 204 pupils enrolled, 97 girls and 107 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Fhionnain a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Fhionnain 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 Fhionnain teach through Irish?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Fhionnain teaches all subjects through Irish. It is also located in a Gaeltacht area.