Gaelscoil Mhachan
Machan, Cork
Key facts
- DEIS
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 139 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 68 girls, 71 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19908K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gaelscoil Mhachan is an Irish‑medium primary school that provides full‑time education through the language of Irish for children in the Ringmahon area. The school follows the national curriculum while delivering it entirely in Irish, fostering bilingual proficiency and a strong cultural identity. Emphasis is placed on interactive learning, oral language development and the integration of Irish arts, music and sport into everyday lessons, creating an immersive environment that supports both academic achievement and personal growth. Since moving into its purpose‑built premises on Avenue de Rennes in February 2001, the school benefits from modern classrooms, specialist rooms for science and art, and outdoor play areas that accommodate a wide range of activities. An extension opened in June 2008 further expanded the facilities, allowing the school to accommodate growing enrolments and to offer a broader range of extracurricular programmes, including Gaelic games, traditional music sessions and environmental projects. The school community is actively involved in school life, with parents and local volunteers contributing to events, fundraising and the maintenance of a welcoming, supportive atmosphere. Gaelscoil Mhachan aims to nurture confident, articulate learners who are proud of their Irish heritage and prepared for the challenges of the wider world.
History
Gaelscoil Mhachan was founded in 1986 when a group of parents united to provide education through the medium of Irish for their children. The school received official recognition from the Department of Education in 1987. Initially the school operated out of Ringmahon House and a series of pre‑fabricated classrooms. In February 2001 the school relocated to a new purpose‑built building on Avenue de Rennes. An extension to the building was opened by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, on 23 June 2008.
Applying to Gaelscoil Mhachan
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 Gaelscoil Mhachan. 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 Gaelscoil Mhachan
How many pupils attend Gaelscoil Mhachan?
Gaelscoil Mhachan has 139 pupils enrolled, 68 girls and 71 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gaelscoil Mhachan a DEIS school?
Yes. Gaelscoil Mhachan is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
Does Gaelscoil Mhachan teach through Irish?
Yes. Gaelscoil Mhachan teaches all subjects through Irish.