Coláiste Oiriall
Br. Ard Mhacha, Monaghan
Key facts
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 402 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 223 girls, 179 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- All pupils taught all subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 76091I the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Coláiste Oiriall is a progressive, Irish‑medium post‑primary school that delivers a broad, balanced curriculum designed to the highest standards of teaching and learning. The school offers a wide range of academic subjects across the Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Leaving Certificate, supported by modern on‑site facilities that enable pupils to excel in both classroom and practical contexts. A strong pastoral ethos underpins daily life, with dedicated support structures that promote personal development, wellbeing and a positive learning environment. Sporting and cultural activities form a core part of the school experience, with excellent provision for basketball, Gaelic football, camogie and other team sports, as well as opportunities for participation in music, drama and debate. The school consistently records Leaving Certificate results well above the national average and secures a high proportion of places for graduates in universities and further education. While the majority of pupils come from Irish‑medium primary schools, the college also welcomes students from English‑medium backgrounds, encouraging them to achieve at a high level within the Irish‑language setting.
Applying to Coláiste Oiriall
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 Oiriall. 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 Oiriall
How many pupils attend Coláiste Oiriall?
Coláiste Oiriall has 402 pupils enrolled, 223 girls and 179 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Coláiste Oiriall a DEIS school?
No. Coláiste Oiriall 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.
Does Coláiste Oiriall teach through Irish?
Yes. Coláiste Oiriall teaches all subjects through Irish.