Scoil Barra
Ballincollig, Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 449 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 205 girls, 244 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19771J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Barra is a co‑educational primary school located in the thriving suburb of Ballincollig, just west of Cork City. Since opening its doors in 1985, the school has grown to accommodate around 440 pupils and a dedicated teaching team of over 30 staff members, including a substantial provision for special educational needs. The curriculum is delivered in a modern, child‑centred environment that balances traditional Irish values with contemporary pedagogical practice, and the school places a strong emphasis on integrating technology into everyday learning. The campus benefits from an almost rural setting adjacent to the Regional Park, offering a large playing field that is a highlight for many primary schools in the district. Facilities include a purpose‑built hall, a spacious computer room, and extensive outdoor play areas, all designed to support a broad range of academic, artistic and sporting activities. Scoil Barra also runs specialised language support classes (DLD/SSD) and actively promotes community involvement through events such as open nights, nature treks and fundraising projects.
History
Scoil Barra was established in response to rapid population growth in Ballincollig during the 1970s and early 1980s. After planning difficulties were resolved, construction began in 1984 on a site in Innishmore, with the school officially opening in September 1985 under its first principal, Michael Farrell. The inaugural enrolment comprised just over 200 children from Junior Infants to Fourth Class, and the co‑educational model quickly attracted families seeking a single primary school for both boys and girls. Within a decade the roll had expanded to more than 600 pupils, reflecting the school’s strong community support and its reputation for quality education.
Applying to Scoil Barra
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 Scoil Barra. 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 Scoil Barra
How many pupils attend Scoil Barra?
Scoil Barra has 449 pupils enrolled, 205 girls and 244 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Barra a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Barra 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 Scoil Barra?
Scoil Barra has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.