Mcegan College
Cork
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 289 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 141 girls, 148 boys
- Ethos
- Multi Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 71030J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
McEgan College is a co‑educational secondary school in Macroom, County Cork, operating under the Cork Education and Training Board. The college delivers a broad curriculum that prepares students for the Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations, with a strong emphasis on caring equally for all learners and fostering self‑worth in a disciplined, supportive environment. The school’s mission is to promote learning, hard work and personal responsibility within an ordered setting where every pupil is accepted unconditionally. The college provides specialised provision for students with additional needs, having introduced an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) class in 2011 and a Multi‑Grade Learning Development (MGLD) class in 2018. Facilities support a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities, enabling students to explore subjects such as English, Maths, Irish, and vocational programmes, while the school’s virtual tour and year‑planner resources illustrate a modern, well‑organised learning centre.
History
McEgan College traces its origins to 1934 when the original school was opened and dedicated to Boetius McEgan, Bishop of Ross, who was captured by Cromwellian forces after a battle in Castle Park and executed at Carrigadrohid Castle in 1650. In 1984 a ten‑room extension was added on the site of the original castle, followed by three additional classrooms in 1996. The college expanded its inclusive education provision with the opening of an ASD class in 2011 and an MGLD class in 2018.
Applying to Mcegan College
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 post-primary school dates apply broadly to Mcegan College. 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: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 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 Mcegan College
How many pupils attend Mcegan College?
Mcegan College has 289 pupils enrolled, 141 girls and 148 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Mcegan College a DEIS school?
Yes. Mcegan College 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.
What is the ethos of Mcegan College?
Mcegan College has a Multi Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.