South Abbey National School is situated in the town of Youghal, Co. Cork. From 1886 until 2011 it was situated in the South Abbey area of the town, on the site of the first Franciscan monastery in Ireland in the early 13th century.
​South Abbey National School had one teacher and nine pupils in 2000 and over the last eleven years it has grown to its present size. The family-like atmosphere and attention given to each individual child which were fundamental characteristics of the small school still continue to be strong features of today’s larger school. 

In March 2011, the school moved to spacious new premises on the Golf Links Road. The current pupils enjoy state-of-the-art facilities: large, sunny, modern and well-equipped classrooms, great IT resources (Interactive Whiteboards and pupil laptops in each classroom), huge outdoor play areas and plenty of room for future development. 

In September 2020 South Abbey were very proud to add the 'Laochra Beaga' (ASD Classes) to the school community. We currently have three ASD classes in the school - Laochra Beaga 1,  Laochra Beaga 2,  Laochra Beaga 3. 

In September 2021, we welcomed 'Bee Happy Montessori' to join us here in our school.