Scoil Náisiúnta Fursa
Gaillimh, Galway
Key facts
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 216 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 116 girls, 100 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16937C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Naisiunta Fursa is a full‑Irish language Catholic secondary school situated in the heart of Galway city. Established in 1933 and operating under the patronage of the Department of Education and the Bishop of Galway, the school provides education for approximately 215 pupils. The learning environment is described as warm and supportive, fostering close relationships between staff and students, and encouraging a culture of love and respect throughout the community. The school’s educational philosophy is holistic, aiming to develop each pupil physically, intellectually, spiritually and emotionally. Weekly reflection sessions and a strong emphasis on wellbeing are integral to the curriculum, helping students to grow confidence and resilience. Modern facilities were expanded with a new building opened in March 2021, offering contemporary classrooms and resources that support a vibrant, inclusive learning experience.
History
Scoil Naisiunta Fursa was founded in 1933 as a Catholic Irish‑medium secondary school. The school operates under the patronage of the Department of Education and the Bishop of Galway. A major redevelopment saw a new school building opened in March 2021, enhancing its capacity and facilities for the student body.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Fursa
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 Fursa. 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 Fursa
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Fursa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Fursa has 216 pupils enrolled, 116 girls and 100 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Fursa a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Fursa 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 Fursa teach through Irish?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Fursa teaches all subjects through Irish.