Dunmanway Model National School
Dunmanway, Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 95 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 44 girls, 51 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 05636A the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
The Model School, Dunmanway is a mixed primary school situated in the heart of West Cork. Operating under a Church of Ireland ethos and the patronage of the Minister for Education and Skills, the school provides a welcoming environment for children from junior infants to sixth class, as well as younger children attending the on‑site Little Steps Montessori. The teaching team comprises four mainstream class teachers, a full‑time and a part‑time special‑education teacher and three special‑needs assistants, supported by a part‑time secretary and a caretaker. The school places a strong emphasis on modern, technology‑enhanced learning, with a suite of iPads, smart boards and laptops available to enrich the curriculum. It is recognised as a health‑promoting, Green Flag, Active Flag and Digital School of Distinction, reflecting a holistic approach that values physical wellbeing, environmental stewardship and digital competence. The mission centres on the pursuit of excellence and the development of each child’s full potential, guided by values of integrity, kindness and respect, and aims to nurture responsible, informed, thinking and tolerant members of society.
History
The Model School was officially opened on 13 August 1849 as a non‑denominational, co‑educational institution. It originally accommodated eight student teachers and featured an agricultural department that taught modern farming techniques to post‑primary pupils. Over the years the school has evolved into a primary school serving junior infants through sixth class, while also hosting the Little Steps Montessori for younger children. Notable alumni include Sam Maguire (1879‑1927), a former pupil who became a prominent figure in the GAA.
Applying to Dunmanway Model 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 Dunmanway Model 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 Dunmanway Model National School
How many pupils attend Dunmanway Model National School?
Dunmanway Model National School has 95 pupils enrolled, 44 girls and 51 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Dunmanway Model National School a DEIS school?
No. Dunmanway Model 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 Dunmanway Model National School?
Dunmanway Model National School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed primary school.