Rathbarry National School
Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 35 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 12 girls, 23 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17715M the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Rathbarry National School is a small, mixed‑gender primary school situated in a picturesque rural setting on the Wild Atlantic Way, just a short walk from the Long Strand and close to the towns of Clonakilty and Rosscarbery. The school prides itself on providing a caring and nurturing environment where pupils’ spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing are central to everyday life. A strong emphasis is placed on child‑centred, innovative learning, with active parental involvement and a commitment to developing communication, literacy, numeracy and essential life skills. The curriculum is enriched by a wide range of active programmes, including participation in Science, Maths and Engineers Weeks, Book Week, and a health‑promoting agenda that seeks Active and Green Schools flags. Outdoor and sporting activities such as swimming, football, hurling, tag rugby and orienteering are integral to the school day, while music, dance, drama and visual arts are fostered through regular workshops, visiting artists and school‑wide performances. Facilities support modern learning: two recent classroom extensions (2014 and 2020) provide spacious, well‑equipped rooms fitted with interactive whiteboards, iPads and fibre‑broadband‑connected computers. A dedicated library benefits from fortnightly visits by the Cork County Council library van, and the campus includes a tarmac playground, an all‑weather astro‑turf pitch, and access to swimming lessons at the nearby Celtic Ross Leisure Centre. The school also participates in the Department of Education’s Creative Schools pilot for STEM subjects.
History
Rathbarry National School was built in 1950 to serve the surrounding rural community, providing education for both boys and girls. A new extension was added in 2014, and a further building extension was completed in 2020, expanding the school’s capacity and modernising its facilities. The school currently employs two class teachers, a Special Education Teacher, a part‑time secretary and a part‑time caretaker.
Applying to Rathbarry 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 Rathbarry 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 Rathbarry National School
How many pupils attend Rathbarry National School?
Rathbarry National School has 35 pupils enrolled, 12 girls and 23 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Rathbarry National School a DEIS school?
No. Rathbarry 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 Rathbarry National School?
Rathbarry National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.