Rylane National School
Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 54 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 27 girls, 27 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16335U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Rylane National School is a mainstream, co‑educational Catholic primary school serving Junior Infants to Sixth Class in the rural townland of Mountrivers, Rylane. Nestled amid the green countryside with views of the Muskerry mountains, the school provides a tranquil learning environment for its 67 pupils. The ethos, embodied in the school crest of heritage, learning, sport and community, promotes the holistic development of each child – academically, physically, intellectually, spiritually, socially and emotionally – under the guiding motto *Chun Mhaitheas an Linbh* (“For the Good of the Individual Child”). The school’s facilities include a spacious reception area, four classrooms, a dedicated Special Education room, a PE hall, a library and a well‑maintained playground split between a front yard and a larger rear yard adjoining the school pitch. An on‑site polytunnel, tended by a gardening committee, supports experiential learning in horticulture. Modern digital learning resources complement a broad and balanced curriculum, while a committed team of staff, including a teaching principal, mainstream teachers, a Special Education teacher and support assistants, ensure a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for all learners.
History
The original school, known as Knocknagoun School, stood beside the local post office before being replaced by the “new school” in 1914‑1915 at its present central location. Initially operating as separate boys’ and girls’ schools, each with its own entrance and divided by a wooden partition (removed in 1990), the school was led by Master Kelleher (boys) and Mrs Kelleher (girls), later succeeded by Miss Cunningham. In the late 1930s, declining numbers prompted amalgamation of the two sections, with Michael Buckley appointed principal on 1 July 1930. The building, lacking electricity and running water at its opening, has evolved over the century, celebrating its centenary in 2014.
Applying to Rylane 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 Rylane 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 Rylane National School
How many pupils attend Rylane National School?
Rylane National School has 54 pupils enrolled, 27 girls and 27 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Rylane National School a DEIS school?
No. Rylane 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 Rylane National School?
Rylane National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.