Scoil Phadraig
Na Doirí Beaga, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Gaeltacht
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 103 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 54 girls, 49 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17018N the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Phádraig, Dobhar is a vibrant Irish‑medium primary school situated in An Bun Beag, Leitir Ceanainn, County Donegal. The school’s ethos centres on delivering a confident, well‑rounded education that equips every pupil with the skills and self‑esteem needed for the next stage of their schooling. A strong emphasis is placed on the Irish language, with all curricular and extracurricular activities conducted through Gaeilge, fostering fluency and cultural pride. The school offers a broad programme of sport, drama, music and other cultural pursuits, encouraging pupils to engage fully in the life of the school community. Facilities support these activities, providing spaces for team sports, performance rehearsals and creative arts, all underpinned by a supportive staff team dedicated to nurturing each child’s potential. The environment is designed to be inclusive and stimulating, promoting both academic achievement and personal development within a close‑knit, bilingual setting.
History
Scoil Phádraig traces its origins to the establishment of a national school in Dobhar in 1882. The original institution, known as Scoil Dobhar, operated through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with a new building erected in 1932 and official opening in 1934. After periods of change, the school was re‑established under its present name in 2011, continuing the legacy of Irish‑medium education in the parish of Tullaghabegly. Throughout its history, the school has remained a focal point for the local community, adapting its facilities and programmes to meet contemporary educational needs while preserving its cultural heritage.
Applying to Scoil Phadraig
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 Phadraig. 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 Phadraig
How many pupils attend Scoil Phadraig?
Scoil Phadraig has 103 pupils enrolled, 54 girls and 49 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Phadraig a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Phadraig 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 Phadraig teach through Irish?
Yes. Scoil Phadraig teaches all subjects through Irish. It is also located in a Gaeltacht area.