Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Gobnait
TRÁ LÍ, Kerry
Key facts
- Gaeltacht
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 38 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 20 girls, 18 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16281A the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Naomh Gobnait is a small, rural primary school situated in the heart of the Gaeltacht on the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry. It provides Irish‑medium education to children aged four to twelve, fostering a strong connection to the Irish language, music, song and folklore that are integral to the local culture. The school operates with two well‑equipped classrooms that overlook the scenic Blascadh, and learning extends outdoors where the Irish language is used throughout the school grounds, creating an immersive linguistic environment. With an enrolment of 46 pupils (May 2024), the school offers a close‑knit community atmosphere where each child receives personalised attention. Emphasis is placed on a safe, supportive and pressure‑free setting that encourages curiosity and enjoyment in learning. The curriculum is delivered in Irish, supported by a range of cultural activities that celebrate the heritage of the Gaeltacht, while the school’s facilities and dedicated staff work together to promote holistic development across academic, artistic and social domains.
History
The origins of education in Dún Chaoin date back to 1841 with the establishment of Vicarstown National School. In 1914 the parish school, Scoil Naomh Gobnait, was built on the site of the former Scoil Bhaile Bhiocáire. Throughout the 19th century the school faced challenges such as low attendance (38 pupils in 1855) and poor conditions, but community figures like Domhnall Ó Muircheartaigh and later Seamus Ó Ciobhán helped sustain it. In the 1970s the Department of Education proposed closure, yet strong local opposition kept the school open. The school celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, marking half a century of continuous operation and a rich tradition of cultural and educational activity.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Gobnait
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 Gobnait. 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 Gobnait
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Gobnait?
Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Gobnait has 38 pupils enrolled, 20 girls and 18 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Gobnait a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Gobnait 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 Naomh Gobnait teach through Irish?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Gobnait teaches all subjects through Irish. It is also located in a Gaeltacht area.