Walterstown National School
Cobh, Cork
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 183 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 85 girls, 98 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 12281D the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Walterstown National School is a vibrant, inclusive primary school set in a uniquely scenic location on the Irish coast, offering stunning sea views and over four acres of countryside. The school’s educational philosophy blends a broad and balanced curriculum with a strong emphasis on outdoor learning, physical education and the development of the whole child. Guided by the vision “Nurturing Minds, Building Futures, Enabling Dreams”, the school fosters intellectual curiosity, creativity and confidence while promoting kindness and community spirit through initiatives such as the Bí Cineálta pupil policy and the nurturing programmes supported by the school’s beloved therapy dog, Fleur. The campus boasts a full‑sized playing pitch, an outdoor classroom, a working polytunnel for gardening projects and a purpose‑built wilderness walkway that encourages exploration of nature. Additional facilities include a dedicated nurture room, sensory rooms and modern indoor spaces, all designed to meet the diverse needs of pupils. As a Roman Catholic school under the patronage of the Bishop of Cloyne, Walterstown NS also prioritises the spiritual, moral and cultural development of its students, encouraging a living relationship with God and a sense of responsibility towards the wider community.
History
Walterstown National School was founded on 9 June 1884, with the original building constructed from a local brick sourced from Belvelly. The first principal was Denis O’Mahony, assisted by Miss Bride, and the school opened with 160 pupils, heated by an open wood fire that children helped to fuel. In 1890 the school received the prestigious Carlyle Blake Award for high‑standard teaching, a distinction it repeated in 1929. A succession of principals followed, culminating in the current leadership of Mr Rory O’Sullivan. A teacher’s residence and playing pitch were originally situated beside the school; the pitch later became the site of a new brick building erected in 2002, matching the colour of the historic structure. The former school building now serves as a community centre for the Ballymore Community Association, housing an after‑school club, a preschool and various community activities. An additional classroom has been added to accommodate growing enrolments, and the school maintains a strong sporting tradition, with athletics and an annual trip to Páirc Uí Chaoimh among its highlights.
Applying to Walterstown 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 Walterstown 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 Walterstown National School
How many pupils attend Walterstown National School?
Walterstown National School has 183 pupils enrolled, 85 girls and 98 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Walterstown National School a DEIS school?
No. Walterstown 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 Walterstown National School?
Walterstown National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.