Bunscoil Rinn An Chabhlaigh
Cobh, Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 679 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 302 girls, 377 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 13450F the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Bunscoil Rinn an Chabhlaigh is a vibrant primary school serving the Rushbrooke community, with over 730 pupils and a staff complement of more than 60. The school’s ethos centres on providing a holistic, inclusive education within a happy, caring environment. A broad curriculum is complemented by an eclectic programme of sport, music, art, drama and other extracurricular activities, encouraging pupils to develop confidence, creativity and teamwork. Strong parental and community involvement is actively promoted, with an open‑door approach that invites families to engage in school life and decision‑making. The campus boasts modern, bright classrooms and a range of specialist spaces. Facilities include a large hall, basketball and tennis courts, a well‑maintained school garden, multiple play areas, a library, a prayer room and fully accessible bathrooms with wheelchair‑friendly doors. Dedicated resource rooms support diverse learning needs, and the school now houses four ASD (Coiscéim) classes, a sensory room and a state‑of‑the‑art occupational therapy suite. These resources underpin the school’s commitment to catering for all learners and fostering a supportive, forward‑looking learning community.
History
Founded by the Mercy Sisters in 1860 on the grounds of Rushbrooke Convent, the school began as a two‑classroom building on a quiet country road. Expansion in the 1950s replaced the original structure with a three‑classroom school, followed by further additions in 1960, 1970 (first prefabricated unit) and 1979 (six‑classroom extension with PE hall and staff facilities). Rapid local population growth in the early 2000s led to a major redevelopment; after several planning stages, a new building was constructed between June 2011 and June 2012, opening for the September 2012 school year. The modern campus now accommodates 24 mainstream classes and specialised ASD provisions, reflecting the school’s evolution from a modest convent school to a contemporary, inclusive primary institution.
Applying to Bunscoil Rinn An Chabhlaigh
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Bunscoil Rinn An Chabhlaigh. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Bunscoil Rinn An Chabhlaigh
How many pupils attend Bunscoil Rinn An Chabhlaigh?
Bunscoil Rinn An Chabhlaigh has 679 pupils enrolled, 302 girls and 377 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Bunscoil Rinn An Chabhlaigh a DEIS school?
No. Bunscoil Rinn An Chabhlaigh is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of Bunscoil Rinn An Chabhlaigh?
Bunscoil Rinn An Chabhlaigh has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.