Gaelscoil na Cruaiche is an all-Irish Catholic primary school that first opened its doors in September 1995 with just seven pupils. The school received temporary recognition from the Department of Education in 1996, and An Foras Pátrúnachta was appointed as patron. Mairéad Ní Ruáin was chosen as the founding principal, and the school was officially opened on 1st September 1996.
Permanent recognition followed in 2000, and since then the school has gone from strength to strength. Planning permission for a permanent building was granted in 2007, and the school community moved into its new home in June 2011.
Today, Gaelscoil na Cruaiche has a vibrant enrolment of 204 pupils from Junior Infants to Sixth Class. A preschool (Naíonra) is also facilitated within the school building, supporting early immersion in the Irish language. The dedicated staff includes 13 teachers—eight class teachers, two learning support teachers, two supply panel teachers, an administrative principal as well as two Special Needs Assistants.
We are delighted to partner with Urban Gruel (formerly Corkscrew and Pantry) as part of the Schools Hot Lunch Programme. Our lunches are prepared fresh each day using locally sourced organic vegetables and 100% Irish meat. Sustainability is at the heart of the service, with meals delivered in reusable stainless-steel containers. As a local business, our provider shares our values of community, quality, and care, and we are proud to support and celebrate this homegrown partnership.
Irish dancing has long been a tradition in our school, and we are incredibly proud to have Patricia Redmond of the Redmond School of Dancing teaching our pupils for over 20 years. From Junior Infants to Sixth Class, every child takes part in Irish dancing, learning not only the steps but also a deep appreciation for our cultural heritage. Múinteoir Patricia’s passion, expertise, and dedication have made Irish dancing a joyful and enriching part of school life for generations of students.
This informal gathering is open to the public, and we warmly welcome members of the community to join us in celebrating the rich musical traditions of Ireland. Children begin learning the tin whistle in First Class, progress to sight-reading in Second Class, and from Third Class onwards are offered a choice of musical instruments to further develop their skills.
Ceol na Cruaiche offers our pupils a wonderful opportunity to perform in a relaxed setting and share their love of music with the wider community.
We strive to create a small Gaeltacht in our school and in the surrounding area. We aim to instill a positive attitude and love for the Irish language and Irish culture in our students and the school community
The activity focuses on developing essential cycling skills, with a strong emphasis on road safety and responsible cycling.
Through structured workshops, pupils learn the rules of the road, how to navigate safely in traffic, and the importance of wearing appropriate safety gear.
This programme supports our commitment to promoting active, healthy lifestyles while equipping students with lifelong skills.
With the beautiful Greenway surrounding our school, we make the most of it with regular activities and daily walks, keeping minds and bodies active and healthy.
We are proud to offer a wide range of team sports opportunities for our pupils. Our school regularly takes part in the Cumann na mBunscol competitions, fielding teams in Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie.
Throughout the school year, we also welcome visiting coaches who provide expert training in GAA, rugby, and basketball, helping to develop skills, teamwork, and a love of sport among our pupils.