St Maries Of The Isle
Cork
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 312 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 172 girls, 140 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 14000C the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Maries of the Isle Primary School is a co‑educational, Catholic‑tradition primary school situated in the heart of Cork city. It welcomes children of all backgrounds and places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, academic rigour and the spiritual and personal development of each pupil. The school works closely with parents and the wider community, fostering partnerships that support learning both inside and outside the classroom. The campus combines historic charm with modern facilities. A purpose‑built hall, added in 1964, serves as the venue for physical‑education lessons, concerts and community events such as visits from the Lord Mayor. Updated electric lighting, central heating and well‑maintained playgrounds provide a comfortable learning environment. Recent initiatives include participation in the Every Child a Reader programme, school‑wide Christmas concerts, and active involvement in local charitable projects, reflecting a vibrant extracurricular programme that encourages creativity, citizenship and wellbeing.
History
The Sisters of Mercy arrived in Cork in 1837 and established a convent at St Maries of the Isle. In 1858 they opened a school for the deaf, and in 1891 construction began on the present primary school building, which was placed under the patronage of Our Lady of Good Counsel and officially opened on 11 October 1892. The school expanded in 1928 with a new wing called “The Terrace,” adding classrooms, cloakrooms, toilets, electric lighting and central heating. Further growth occurred in 1936 with the acquisition of an adjoining yard and the addition of twelve classrooms and corridors, followed by playground improvements and the installation of central heating throughout. A hall was constructed in 1964, becoming a focal point for physical education, concerts and civic visits.
Applying to St Maries Of The Isle
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
View St Maries Of The Isle's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to St Maries Of The Isle. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 St Maries Of The Isle
How many pupils attend St Maries Of The Isle?
St Maries Of The Isle has 312 pupils enrolled, 172 girls and 140 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Maries Of The Isle a DEIS school?
Yes. St Maries Of The Isle is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of St Maries Of The Isle?
St Maries Of The Isle has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.