Primary School

Gealscoil Philib Barun

An Trá Mhór, Waterford
Mixed

School Details

Address
Cruabhaile Uachtarach, An Trá Mhór
Location
An Trá Mhór, Waterford
School Type
Primary
Total Enrollment (2025/26)
194 students
Enrollment Split
92 Girls, 102 Boys
Ethos
Catholic
Irish Classification
All subjects through Irish
Gender
Mixed
Roll Number
19885B
Latest Inspection Reports
View on gov.ie

Location

About

Gaelscoil Philib Barún is an Irish‑medium primary school that delivers a first‑class education rooted in the Irish language, the island’s rich traditional and multicultural heritage, and a Catholic ethos. The school provides a caring and respectful atmosphere where pupils engage with a broad curriculum that integrates digital learning tools such as Office 365, STEAM programmes, and an online homework collaboration platform. Regular newsletters and community events, including the bi‑annual Peace Proms and annual Christmas concerts, showcase a vibrant cultural life that encourages singing, dancing and performance skills across all classes. The school operates from a purpose‑built campus opened in June 2017, offering modern classrooms, specialist spaces for music and technology, and safe facilities for extracurricular activities. An open evening for prospective families highlights the well‑maintained building, its resources and the supportive environment that the school community fosters. Parents can access a range of policy documents and enrolment forms online, ensuring transparent communication and streamlined admissions.

History

Gaelscoil Philib Barún was founded in 1985 with 29 pupils and one teacher, initially housed in rented premises on Pond Road, Tramore. In 1989 the school moved to Stella Maris House, expanding to 65 pupils and three teachers, though conditions remained temporary. A prolonged campaign for a permanent home saw the Board of Management identify two potential sites at Crobally Upper in the early 1990s, with planning applications submitted in 1993 and 1994. After several setbacks, the school finally secured a new, purpose‑built building, officially opened on 9 June 2017, marking the culmination of decades of community effort to provide a lasting home for the Irish‑medium institution.