Coláiste Muire
Cobh, Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 709 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 333 girls, 376 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 62180E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Coláiste Muire is a co-educational Catholic post-primary school in Cobh, Co. Cork, under the trusteeship of the Presentation Brothers Schools Trust. Enrolment stands at 709 students, with most coming from Cobh and Great Island and some international students attending for at least one full school year. The school was founded in 1976 through the amalgamation of St. Mary's Secondary School and Presentation College. The school follows the national curriculum as specified by the Department of Education and Skills. Junior Cycle core subjects include Irish, English, Maths, History, Geography, CSPE, Religion, Science, Physical Education and SPHE. Students are placed in mixed ability base classes in first to third year, with Irish and Maths divided by level in second and third year. Optional subjects are chosen in first year subject to resources and availability. The school describes itself as a Christian community of students, staff, parents, chaplaincy and management. The Millennium Stadium provides sporting facilities including a full-size astroturf pitch, a GAA and soccer pitch, two basketball courts and a running track.
History
The school's history begins with the arrival of three Mercy sisters from Cork on 23rd May 1850, who established St. Mary's school at Belvedere and also visited the sick and poor of Cobh. The Presentation Brothers arrived in 1886 and, after altering the former pro-cathedral where Coláiste Muire now stands, opened a college in 1889 with 65 students initially enrolled. In October 1975, the decision was made to amalgamate St. Mary's and Presentation College into one co-educational secondary school, effective from 1st August 1976. Boys and girls remained separate until the final two years initially, with teachers commuting between both school sites between 1976 and 1981. The old Presentation College was demolished in 1976, and the new school building was completed by 1981, with the move taking place on 19th February 1981. The official opening occurred on May Day 1981. Later developments included the introduction of Transition Year and the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, the purchase of land behind the school for sporting facilities, and the opening of the Millennium Stadium in 2001.
Applying to Coláiste Muire
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 post-primary school dates apply broadly to Coláiste Muire. 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: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 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 Coláiste Muire
How many pupils attend Coláiste Muire?
Coláiste Muire has 709 pupils enrolled, 333 girls and 376 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Coláiste Muire a DEIS school?
No. Coláiste Muire 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 Coláiste Muire?
Coláiste Muire has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.