Ballyfinane National School
Firies, Kerry
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 42 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 16 girls, 26 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 07990F the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ballyfinane National School (Scoil Naomh Cárthach) is a Catholic primary school that provides a structured, caring and secure environment for its pupils. The school’s ethos balances a strong Catholic foundation with respect for all faiths, aiming to meet the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural needs of each child. A high standard of education is delivered through a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that promotes holistic development, encouraging responsibility, self‑esteem and gender equity among both pupils and staff. The school benefits from a modern, purpose‑built facility that includes contemporary classrooms, a spacious playing field and an adjacent hall used for physical education and drama. Extra‑curricular provision is extensive, with a focus on music, sport, ICT and STEAM activities, as well as wellbeing programmes such as gardening projects, friendship and wellness weeks, and community‑led fundraising events like the Tour De Ballyfinane and the annual Table Quiz. The school’s commitment to sustainability and digital excellence is reflected in its attainment of the Green Schools, Digital School of Distinction, Health Promotion Flag, Blue Star and Music awards.
History
Scoil Naomh Cárthach was opened in 1965 and named in honour of St Carrack, a native of the local area. It is located just west of Castlemaine, between the Sliabh Mish Mountains and the River Maine. The school now occupies a new building equipped with modern facilities to support teaching and learning, and it features a spacious playing field and a hall for PE and drama. The Board of Management and Parents Council actively support educational initiatives and community fundraising activities, reinforcing the school’s strong ties to the local community.
Applying to Ballyfinane 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 Ballyfinane 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 Ballyfinane National School
How many pupils attend Ballyfinane National School?
Ballyfinane National School has 42 pupils enrolled, 16 girls and 26 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Ballyfinane National School a DEIS school?
No. Ballyfinane 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 Ballyfinane National School?
Ballyfinane National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.