Gaelscoil An Eiscir Riada
School Details
Location
About
Gaelscoil an Eiscir Riada is an Irish‑medium primary school situated in Cluain Calga, County Louth. It provides full immersion education from the Naíonra (early years) through to the senior classes, fostering fluency in Gaeilge alongside the Irish curriculum. The school’s ethos centres on nurturing a love of learning, cultural heritage and community participation, encouraging pupils to develop confidence, creativity and critical thinking within a supportive, bilingual environment. The school occupies a purpose‑built campus opened in 2003, offering modern classrooms, specialist rooms and extensive garden spaces that support both academic and extracurricular activities. Facilities include dedicated early‑years rooms, a library, and outdoor play areas that enable a balanced programme of sport, arts and environmental education. Strong links with parents and local organisations underpin a vibrant school life, with regular events, projects and collaborations that celebrate Irish language and culture.
History
The idea to establish a Gaelscoil in the Tulach Mhór area arose at a Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann meeting in 1993. Following community fundraising and support from the Department of Education, the school opened on 1 May 1993 in a temporary premises on 5 Sráid Cormaic with twenty‑one pupils and a single principal. After receiving permanent status in March 1995, the school moved to larger premises on 13 Sráid na hEaglaise later that year, and expanded further in 1997 by leasing additional space on the same street. A dedicated parents’ committee was formed in March 1996. On 29 April 2003 the school transferred to a new, purpose‑built building in Cluain Calga, officially opened by local dignitaries in June 2003. Since then the school has continued to grow and strengthen its role in the community.