Caheragh National School
Drimoleague, Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 64 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 31 girls, 33 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19557H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Caheragh National School is a rural, co‑educational Catholic primary school serving the community between Skibbereen and Bantry in scenic West Cork. The school provides a child‑centred learning environment for approximately 65 pupils, with a dedicated team that includes classroom teachers, a Special Educational Needs (SEN) teacher and full‑time SEN assistants. The modernised 2021 building is fully wheelchair‑accessible, offering safe, inclusive facilities for all learners. The curriculum is enriched by a strong emphasis on active learning, creativity and Irish cultural heritage. Pupils regularly engage in céilí dancing, traditional singing and tin‑whistle instruction, while a broad sports programme includes Gaelic games, basketball, fitness training, golf, cycle‑sense, tag rugby, yoga and zumba. The school’s sporting excellence is reflected in multiple Sciath na Scol titles and national success in the Junior Target Board Challenge. Participation in initiatives such as Active, Green, Amber, Health‑Promoting, Junior, Cineáltas and the PAWS water‑ward scheme underlines the school’s commitment to holistic development and environmental stewardship.
History
Caheragh National School was established in 1977 following the amalgamation of two historic rural schools: Gurrane, founded in 1887, and Killeenleigh, founded in 1890. The original building was upgraded in 2021 to meet contemporary accessibility standards, ensuring the school remains a modern educational hub while retaining its deep local roots.
Applying to Caheragh National School
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 Caheragh National School. 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 Caheragh National School
How many pupils attend Caheragh National School?
Caheragh National School has 64 pupils enrolled, 31 girls and 33 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Caheragh National School a DEIS school?
No. Caheragh National School 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 Caheragh National School?
Caheragh National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.