Goleen National School
Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 32 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 19 girls, 13 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 05656G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Goleen National School is a small, co‑educational primary school situated in the rural village of Goleen, West Cork, under the patronage of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Cork and Ross. The school’s crest is formed by the iconic Fastnet Rock, reflecting its close ties to the local community and landscape. Central to its ethos is the belief in the dignity and uniqueness of every child, with respect forming the foundation of all interactions. The school strives to create a friendly, supportive atmosphere where pupils can develop intellectually, physically, culturally, morally and spiritually, in line with the Catholic tradition of fostering a harmonious whole‑person education. The teaching team comprises two mainstream class teachers, a special‑education teacher and a special‑needs assistant, supported by part‑time administrative and caretaking staff. Facilities include two astro‑turf play areas and access to the parish hall, providing ample space for both curricular and extracurricular activities. The Board of Management works closely with staff and parents to ensure that each child can thrive and reach their full potential, guided by the school motto “Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí” – “Praise the youth and they will flourish”.
Applying to Goleen 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 Goleen 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 Goleen National School
How many pupils attend Goleen National School?
Goleen National School has 32 pupils enrolled, 19 girls and 13 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Goleen National School a DEIS school?
No. Goleen 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 Goleen National School?
Goleen National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.