Castletownroche National School
Castletownroche, Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 102 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 38 girls, 64 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 14107U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Castletownroche National School is a vibrant primary school situated on spacious grounds off Close Road in the heart of Castletownroche, County Cork. The school caters for Junior and Senior Infants through to Fifth and Sixth Class, offering a balanced programme that blends academic learning with liberal arts, sport and music. Classrooms are bright and well‑equipped, and the school benefits from modern facilities including central heating, indoor cloakrooms and toilets, as well as extensive outdoor amenities such as cemented playgrounds, sheltered areas for the younger pupils and large green spaces for recreation and outdoor learning. The school’s ethos is founded on a child‑centred, inclusive approach that seeks to nurture each pupil’s individuality while fostering respect, empathy and a love of learning. The mission statement highlights a commitment to providing a safe, welcoming and positive environment, delivering holistic education that develops life‑long learners and responsible citizens. Emphasis is placed on creative, stimulating experiences that build confidence, competence and a sense of community, with opportunities to engage in Irish language activities, digital learning tools and collaborative projects.
History
Castletownroche National School was constructed in 1965 to replace the overcrowded and outdated school in The Square, which had served the community since 1892. The new building opened its doors in January 1966, offering five spacious, centrally heated classrooms, indoor cloakrooms, toilets and generous outdoor play areas. Initially the Boys’ and Girls’ schools operated separately until they were amalgamated in January 1971. The former school building in The Square was later renovated and now functions as a community hall.
Applying to Castletownroche 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 Castletownroche 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 Castletownroche National School
How many pupils attend Castletownroche National School?
Castletownroche National School has 102 pupils enrolled, 38 girls and 64 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Castletownroche National School a DEIS school?
No. Castletownroche 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 Castletownroche National School?
Castletownroche National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.