Gaelscoil Chorain
Eochaill, Cork
Key facts
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 261 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 130 girls, 131 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19833F the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gaelscoil Choráin is a vibrant Irish‑medium primary school founded in 1983, recognised as the first gaelscoil of its kind in County Cork. Situated on the banks of the Blackwater where it meets the Atlantic at Youghal, the school benefits from a scenic coastal setting that enriches the learning environment. The curriculum is delivered entirely through Irish, providing a solid foundation (bun‑oideachas) that enables pupils to achieve fluency and a deep appreciation for the language while engaging in a broad range of academic and extracurricular activities. The school operates a modern, child‑centred programme that balances traditional subjects with creative and sporting opportunities, fostering both personal and social development. Facilities include well‑equipped classrooms, a library, and access to outdoor spaces for play and exploration. A dedicated Board of Management and active parent and student committees support a collaborative ethos, ensuring that the school community works together to maintain high standards of education, safety, and wellbeing.
History
Gaelscoil Choráin was established in 1983, becoming the first primary gaelscoil in Cork county. The school is located at the mouth of the River Blackwater where it flows into the Atlantic at Youghal.
Applying to Gaelscoil Chorain
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
View Gaelscoil Chorain's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Gaelscoil Chorain. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Gaelscoil Chorain
How many pupils attend Gaelscoil Chorain?
Gaelscoil Chorain has 261 pupils enrolled, 130 girls and 131 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gaelscoil Chorain a DEIS school?
No. Gaelscoil Chorain 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 Gaelscoil Chorain teach through Irish?
Yes. Gaelscoil Chorain teaches all subjects through Irish.