Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh
School Details
Location
About
Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh is a fully Irish‑medium primary school serving the community of Cnoc na Cathrach and the surrounding hinterland. Its core mission is to provide high‑quality, bilingual education that nurtures the whole child – morally, spiritually, physically, academically, aesthetically and culturally – through the guiding principle “Forbairt an Dúchais trí Fhorbairt Iomlán an Pháiste”. The curriculum is delivered in Irish across all subjects, with a strong emphasis on language immersion, cultural heritage and active participation in music, drama, art, sport and science. The school’s facilities have expanded significantly since its inception. The current campus, opened in January 2018, houses 24 modern classrooms, a library, specialist support rooms, a dedicated early‑years centre, and a multipurpose hall. A comprehensive before‑ and after‑school service operates from the Áras Mhic Amhlaigh building, offering supervised homework time, creative arts, sport, cooking and other enrichment activities, all conducted through the medium of Irish. Close collaboration with parents, a vibrant Parents’ Association and an open, welcoming atmosphere underpin the school’s community‑focused ethos.
History
Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh was founded in 1993 as a Gaeltacht, fully Irish‑medium primary school. Between 1993 and 1999 the school operated from temporary premises in the Cnoc na Cathrach area. In 1999 it moved into its first purpose‑built facility, which comprised eight classrooms, a hall, offices and specialist rooms. Owing to continued growth and increasing demand for Irish‑language education, the Department of Education approved a new school building, which opened in January 2018 in Lána an Mhuilleora, Cnoc na Cathrach. The new campus provides 24 classrooms, a library, support rooms, a senior infants room and a range of additional amenities, alongside a dedicated early‑years and after‑school service.