Hollymount National School
Rathmore, Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 25 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 16 girls, 9 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17324U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Hollymount National School (Scoil Naomh Breandán, Cnoc an Cuilinn) is a Catholic, co‑educational primary school situated at the foot of Caherbarnagh Mountain in the parish of Knockagree. It caters for children from Junior Infants to Sixth class and operates with a two‑teacher model that fosters a close‑knit, family‑feel atmosphere. The school’s mission is to develop each pupil’s full potential within a happy, secure environment, promoting respect, fairness and a high standard of behaviour. Learning is supported by modern technology, with each classroom equipped with laptops and interactive whiteboards to enhance interactive and inquiry‑based teaching. The curriculum aims to nurture the whole child – encouraging personal growth, social cooperation and preparation for lifelong learning – while embracing diversity of race, culture, religion, gender and ability. Extra support is provided for children with learning disabilities, and strong partnerships with parents and the local community underpin the school’s ethos. The school’s facilities are well‑maintained, with recent refurbishment and extension completed in 2007, providing spacious, up‑to‑date classrooms and well‑kept grounds. A proactive board of management oversees resources and organisational planning, ensuring a safe, caring and stimulating environment for all pupils.
History
The initial application to build a school in Hollymount (then known as Knockacullin) was made in December 1866, with the site provided by Captain William Fagan. Construction was approved in autumn 1867 and the school opened in 1870, originally serving up to 80 boys and 80 girls. Early leadership included John Charles Dineen as principal of the boys’ school and Miss Mary O’Sullivan as principal of the girls’ school. Over the following decades the school saw a succession of principals and teachers, reflecting broader changes in Irish primary education. The school celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2020, marking a long history of service to the local community.
Applying to Hollymount 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 Hollymount 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 Hollymount National School
How many pupils attend Hollymount National School?
Hollymount National School has 25 pupils enrolled, 16 girls and 9 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Hollymount National School a DEIS school?
No. Hollymount 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 Hollymount National School?
Hollymount National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.