S N DUMHACH
School Details
Location
About
Dooagh National School (S.N. Dumhach) is a small Catholic co‑educational primary school situated on the western tip of Achill Island, serving a wide rural catchment that includes the villages of Dooagh, Pollagh, Newtown, Keel, Crumpaun and Slievemore. With a roll of around 29 pupils from Junior Infants to Sixth Class, the school provides a close‑knit learning environment where each child receives personalised attention. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on the Irish language, reflected in the school’s bilingual motto “Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam” and regular Irish‑language activities. The school’s facilities comprise four classrooms, an Additional Educational Teaching (AET) room, a multipurpose purpose‑room and a modest staff/office area. Recent refurbishments in 2001 and again in 2021 have modernised the premises while retaining the historic character of the original 1959 building. A dedicated school bus links the dispersed community, and the school day runs from 9.10 am to 2.50 pm for senior classes and 1.50 pm for infants. Environmental stewardship is a core value, demonstrated by the achievement of multiple Green Flag awards and active participation in the Green School programme.
History
Dooagh National School was constructed in 1959 to serve the Achill Island community. In 1976 the neighbouring Crumpaun School was amalgamated into Dooagh NS, expanding its catchment area. Major renovations were undertaken in 2001 and most recently in 2021, updating classrooms and facilities while preserving the school’s historic role as the most westerly primary school on the island.