Scoil Náisiúnta Na Bhforbacha
na Forbacha, Galway
Key facts
- Gaeltacht
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 229 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 118 girls, 111 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17668G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Naisiunta Na Bhforbacha is a vibrant primary school situated on the edge of Galway Bay, between the northern hills and the coastal stretch of County Galway. The school draws inspiration from its diverse natural surroundings, integrating the landscape into daily learning, artistic expression and spoken Irish. A strong emphasis is placed on the Irish language and cultural heritage, ensuring that pupils develop fluency and a deep appreciation of their linguistic roots while also receiving a balanced, modern curriculum. The campus has evolved considerably since its inception, with major extensions added in 1950 and 1986 that introduced additional classrooms, a hall, kitchen and staffroom, providing ample space for both academic and extracurricular activities. The school’s enrolment system, introduced in 2021/22, offers a transparent, pre‑registration process for families, and the on‑site Naíonra Réalt na Mara supports early childhood education. Together, these facilities create a supportive, community‑focused environment where children can thrive academically, socially and culturally.
History
Before the establishment of the national school, a pay school operated by Conchúr Mac Donnchadha served the area. The land for the new school was donated by Siad na Blácaigh, and Scoil Mhuire na bhForbacha officially opened in March 1842 with a single room measuring 45 ft by 20 ft by 10 ft. Aindriú Blácaigh acted as the first manager, and the school expanded in 1910 to two rooms, with further additions in 1920, 1950 (new two‑room building on the eastern site) and 1986 (two more rooms, hall, kitchen and staffroom). English was the medium of instruction until 1911, after which Irish became the language of teaching. The school has retained a rich archive of local folklore and historical documents.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Na Bhforbacha
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 Na Bhforbacha. 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 Na Bhforbacha
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Na Bhforbacha?
Scoil Náisiúnta Na Bhforbacha has 229 pupils enrolled, 118 girls and 111 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Na Bhforbacha a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Na Bhforbacha 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 Na Bhforbacha teach through Irish?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Na Bhforbacha teaches all subjects through Irish. It is also located in a Gaeltacht area.