Gaelscoil Mhainistir Na Corann
Mainitir na Corann, Cork
Key facts
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 550 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 264 girls, 286 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20107G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann is a dedicated Irish‑medium primary school that aims to provide every pupil with a high‑quality education through the Irish language while nurturing a deep appreciation of Irish culture. The school’s ethos stresses the development of the whole child in a living relationship with God, family and the wider community. Its curriculum is designed to deliver cognitive advantages, bilingual literacy, confidence, identity and strong educational attainment, reflecting a holistic approach that balances academic rigour with cultural and spiritual growth. The school operates from a purpose‑built, modern facility in Bán Sheáin, Lúnasa, which was opened in 2016 after years of collaborative effort between management, staff and parents. The campus includes spacious classrooms, a well‑equipped playground, and a range of extracurricular provisions such as after‑school clubs (chess, sports, music and Irish dancing), a school choir and specialist programmes like immersion education and support for children with special educational needs. Strong parental involvement is evident through an active Parents’ Association and regular community events, reinforcing the school’s commitment to a supportive, inclusive learning environment.
History
Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann was founded on 30 June 1999 when a group of parents united to provide Irish‑medium education for local children. The school initially received temporary recognition with 21 pupils ranging from Junior Infants to Second Class. Dónal Ó Murchú was appointed principal in March 2000, and the school was officially opened by the Minister for Education, Micheál Martin, on 19 June 2000. Mairéad Uí Fhloinn became principal in August 2003, with Áine Ní Shúilleabháin appointed deputy principal later that year. After operating from prefabricated buildings at Ionad an Phobail, the school moved to a new, purpose‑built building in Bán Sheáin in August 2016; this facility was formally opened by past pupils and the Bishop in June 2017. In June 2019 the school celebrated its 20th anniversary, and Mairéad stepped down as principal. Keith Ó Brolacháin served as principal from July 2019 until February 2022, after which Ciarraí assumed the role.
Applying to Gaelscoil Mhainistir Na Corann
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 Mhainistir Na Corann. 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 Mhainistir Na Corann
How many pupils attend Gaelscoil Mhainistir Na Corann?
Gaelscoil Mhainistir Na Corann has 550 pupils enrolled, 264 girls and 286 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gaelscoil Mhainistir Na Corann a DEIS school?
No. Gaelscoil Mhainistir Na Corann 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 Mhainistir Na Corann teach through Irish?
Yes. Gaelscoil Mhainistir Na Corann teaches all subjects through Irish.