Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Ciarain
Conamara, Galway
Key facts
- DEIS
- Gaeltacht
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 22 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 9 girls, 13 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17574U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Naomh Ciarán is a Gaeltacht primary school situated in Cill Chiaráin, Co. na Gaillimhe. Established in 1947, the school provides education for children from junior infants to sixth class entirely through the Irish language, with English taught as a separate subject. Irish is the language of communication throughout the school, fostering a fully immersive linguistic environment that supports fluency and cultural continuity. The curriculum follows the national framework while placing a strong emphasis on personal development, self‑confidence and respect for self, others, the environment and property. The school’s ethos centres on growth and learning in a supportive community. It encourages children from the local area and beyond to develop a love of learning within a caring, inclusive setting. Facilities include dedicated classrooms for each grade, specialist spaces for language and special needs support, and resources such as a gallery and archive that showcase student work and school activities. An active enrolment process is available during the summer months, with clear contact details for prospective families.
History
Scoil Naomh Ciarán was founded in 1947 as a Gaeltacht primary school. In 2017 the school submitted an application to the Gaeltacht School Identity Scheme and has since been working towards meeting the language‑based criteria set out by the programme.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Ciarain
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 Naomh Ciarain. 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 Naomh Ciarain
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Ciarain?
Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Ciarain has 22 pupils enrolled, 9 girls and 13 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Ciarain a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Ciarain 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 Naomh Ciarain teach through Irish?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Ciarain teaches all subjects through Irish. It is also located in a Gaeltacht area.