Coláiste Cholmcille

Detached multiple-bay L-plan school, built 1955, having double-height main block with clerestorey, lower flat-roofed block to front in turn having projecting flat-roof entrance block at north-west corner. Ancillary four-bay block also to complex. Pitched slate roofs having granite block chimneystacks and cast-iron rainwater goods. Battered rubble granite walls having rendered plat-band to front, and rendered eves course. Square-headed window openings throughout, double to lower front blcok and single to clerestorey level above same. Raised render surrounds and sills to windows, with replacement uPVC frames. Ancillary block has mainly six-over-six pane timber sliding sash windows. Square-headed door openings having rendered surrounds and double-leaf timber panelled and battened timber doors with rendered stepped approaches. Square-headed door opening having rendered surround and double-leaf timber battened doors. Granite rubble-stone enclosing wall with crenellations and gate piers with rendered capping and wrought-iron gates.

This form of school is typical of those built after the foundation of the Irish Free State. This fine example was clearly inspired by ancient architecture, through featuring battered walls and the local granite provides a direct material link with the region. However, the flat roofs and emphasis on horizontal lines place this building within the Modern Movement.