Gealscoil Philib Barun
An Trá Mhór, Waterford
Key facts
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 194 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 92 girls, 102 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19885B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gaelscoil Philib Barún is an Irish‑medium primary school that delivers a first‑class education rooted in the Irish language, the island’s rich traditional and multicultural heritage, and a Catholic ethos. The school provides a caring and respectful atmosphere where pupils engage with a broad curriculum that integrates digital learning tools such as Office 365, STEAM programmes, and an online homework collaboration platform. Regular newsletters and community events, including the bi‑annual Peace Proms and annual Christmas concerts, showcase a vibrant cultural life that encourages singing, dancing and performance skills across all classes. The school operates from a purpose‑built campus opened in June 2017, offering modern classrooms, specialist spaces for music and technology, and safe facilities for extracurricular activities. An open evening for prospective families highlights the well‑maintained building, its resources and the supportive environment that the school community fosters. Parents can access a range of policy documents and enrolment forms online, ensuring transparent communication and streamlined admissions.
History
Gaelscoil Philib Barún was founded in 1985 with 29 pupils and one teacher, initially housed in rented premises on Pond Road, Tramore. In 1989 the school moved to Stella Maris House, expanding to 65 pupils and three teachers, though conditions remained temporary. A prolonged campaign for a permanent home saw the Board of Management identify two potential sites at Crobally Upper in the early 1990s, with planning applications submitted in 1993 and 1994. After several setbacks, the school finally secured a new, purpose‑built building, officially opened on 9 June 2017, marking the culmination of decades of community effort to provide a lasting home for the Irish‑medium institution.
Applying to Gealscoil Philib Barun
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 Gealscoil Philib Barun's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Gealscoil Philib Barun. 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 Gealscoil Philib Barun
How many pupils attend Gealscoil Philib Barun?
Gealscoil Philib Barun has 194 pupils enrolled, 92 girls and 102 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gealscoil Philib Barun a DEIS school?
No. Gealscoil Philib Barun 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 Gealscoil Philib Barun teach through Irish?
Yes. Gealscoil Philib Barun teaches all subjects through Irish.