Scoil Naisiunta Cleire
School Details
Location
About
Scoil Náisiúnta Inis Chléire is an all‑Irish, Catholic, co‑educational primary school situated on Cape Clear, the southernmost inhabited Gaeltacht island in Ireland. The school serves children from first to sixth class in a fully Irish‑medium environment, with two dedicated classrooms and a specialised SET (Special Educational Needs) room. Each classroom is equipped with modern teaching resources, including interactive whiteboards, to support a contemporary, interactive learning experience. The school’s educational philosophy centres on providing a high‑quality, child‑centred education through the Irish language, fostering a happy, peaceful and culturally rich atmosphere. Emphasis is placed on the holistic development of each pupil, recognising individual abilities and needs, and encouraging pride in Irish heritage through language, music, dance, drama, sport, history and literacy. Extra‑curricular provision includes weekly swimming lessons at Baltimore Community Leisure Centre, kayaking in the local harbour, and music tuition on instruments such as the tin whistle, recorder, melodica and ukulele, delivered by local musicians. Located on a remote island renowned for its wildlife, the school also offers pupils unique opportunities to observe seabirds, whales, turtles and dolphins, integrating environmental awareness into the broader curriculum.
History
Scoil Náisiúnta Inis Chléire was founded in 1897 as a Gaelscoil on Cape Clear. Since its establishment, it has remained a fully Irish‑medium, Catholic, co‑educational primary school serving the island community, maintaining its commitment to delivering education through the Irish language and preserving local cultural traditions.