Scoil Barra Naofa Monkstown
Monkstown, Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 194 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 99 girls, 95 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17323S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Barra Naofa is a Catholic primary school serving both boys and girls in Monkstown, County Cork. The school delivers a comprehensive, inclusive curriculum that aims to develop pupils spiritually, socially, morally, physically and academically. Emphasis is placed on a student‑centred learning environment that is free from discrimination, bullying and harassment, fostering respect, truth, freedom, justice and understanding for all. The campus is set on attractive, landscaped grounds overlooking Cork Harbour and comprises a split‑level building that incorporates the original three‑classroom block (opened 1943) and a 1986 extension. Facilities include eight modern classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards, three special‑education rooms, a fully refurbished library, a multi‑functional hall, a well‑stocked computer room with desktops, laptops and an iPad trolley, and dedicated toilet facilities for each classroom and for disabled users. Outdoor provision features three yards, a basketball court and access to a local park and golf club for sports activities. A strong sense of community underpins the school ethos, encouraging co‑operation among staff, pupils and parents. The school’s programmes promote social inclusion, cohesion and a happy learning atmosphere, supported by a range of initiatives such as wellbeing, green‑school projects and a student council.
History
The present school on Ash Wednesday 1943 replaced an earlier National School on Chapel Hill (opened 1865, closed 1943). Prior to that, a private primary school operated at 1 de Vesci Place, taught by Mercy Order nuns. The old Chapel Hill school, once separated by gender and accessed via a stone drawbridge, fell into disuse until Fr. Christy Walsh restored it in 1982 for community use. In December 1938 Fr. O’ Regan purchased the current site as a parish gift. The original school records date back to 1872. An extension was completed in 1986 under the principalship of Mr. Michael O Sullivan and officially opened by Mr. Micheál Martin in 2000. enrolment has grown from 68 pupils in the early years to 197 pupils and a staff of 12 today.
Applying to Scoil Barra Naofa Monkstown
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 Naofa Monkstown. 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 Naofa Monkstown
How many pupils attend Scoil Barra Naofa Monkstown?
Scoil Barra Naofa Monkstown has 194 pupils enrolled, 99 girls and 95 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Barra Naofa Monkstown a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Barra Naofa Monkstown 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 Naofa Monkstown?
Scoil Barra Naofa Monkstown has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.