Rusheen National School
Coachford, Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 74 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 36 girls, 38 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 12395S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Rusheen National School is a small, vibrant primary school serving a close‑knit community of just over seventy pupils. Situated approximately 7 km from the bustling town of Macroom, the school provides a nurturing environment where every child is known, valued and supported. The ethos centres on creating a safe, inclusive and inspiring setting that promotes academic, social and emotional growth. Learning is delivered through collaborative, engaging methods that connect classroom experiences to the real world, and strong partnerships with families and the wider community enhance the educational experience. The campus has been modernised to meet contemporary needs while retaining its historic charm. Facilities now include four well‑equipped classrooms, a dedicated learning‑support room, a resource room, staff and office spaces, and a tarmaced playground. A thriving school garden offers raised beds for fruit and vegetables, flower beds, a pergola, a stream bridge, benches, trees and walkways, providing a peaceful outdoor classroom that encourages hands‑on learning and environmental stewardship. The school’s commitment to wellbeing and inclusive practice ensures that all achievements and talents are celebrated.
History
Rusheen National School was built in 1884 and opened in 1885 on land donated by Captain Woodley. The building’s stones were sourced locally, with John Cronin as the principal craftsman. An earlier school existed on the site from 1826, operating out of a thatched cabin. In 1883 a grant of £306 was approved for the new school, which ultimately cost £459. John Ambrose became the first principal in April 1885. Initially operating as separate male and female schools, it became a mixed school on 1 January 1906. The original two‑classroom structure remained largely unchanged until the 1970s. Extensive upgrades in the 1980s and 1990s added a new roof, replastered walls, new floors, a modern toilet block, a storage heating system and a tarmaced playground. Extensions in 2004 and 2008 expanded the school to four classrooms, a learning‑support room, a resource room, staff room, office and enhanced playground. Recent developments include a garden with raised beds, flower beds, a pergola, a stream bridge and landscaped walkways.
Applying to Rusheen 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 Rusheen 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 Rusheen National School
How many pupils attend Rusheen National School?
Rusheen National School has 74 pupils enrolled, 36 girls and 38 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Rusheen National School a DEIS school?
No. Rusheen 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 Rusheen National School?
Rusheen National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.