Gaelscoil Phortlaoise
School Details
Location
About
Gaelscoil Phortlaoise is an Irish‑medium primary school situated in the Summerhill area of Portlaoise, offering a full‑time curriculum through the medium of Gaeilge. The school’s core aim is to promote the Irish language within the local community while providing a holistic education that welcomes children regardless of their prior language ability. Daily lessons are delivered in Irish, with a strong emphasis on speaking, singing and cultural activities that embed the language in the pupils’ everyday experience. The purpose‑built campus comprises sixteen mainstream classrooms, six specialist SET (Science, Engineering, Technology) rooms, a multipurpose hall, a library and an on‑site sports field. These facilities support a broad programme that includes visual arts, Irish dancing, Gaelic games and a rich repertoire of traditional Irish songs. The school fosters a close‑knit atmosphere, encouraging collaboration between pupils, staff and parents, and strives to create a small Gaeltacht‑like environment at the heart of the town.
History
Gaelscoil Phortlaoise was founded in 1998 and has grown steadily from its inception, developing into a vibrant Irish‑medium community described as a “small Gaeltacht situated in the centre of Portlaoise.” The school moved to its current purpose‑built premises on the Stradbally Road in Summerhill, featuring 16 classrooms, six SET rooms, a hall, library and sports field. Since its establishment, the school has consistently promoted the Irish language, Gaelic culture, and a supportive atmosphere that links children, staff and parents.