Castledrum National School
Castlemain, Kerry
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 107 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 58 girls, 49 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 09209B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Castledrum National School is a co‑educational primary school situated in the parish of Castlemaine at the gateway to the Dingle Peninsula, overlooking the Sliabh Mish mountains, Castlemaine Harbour and the MacGillycuddy Reeks, including Carrauntoohill. The school caters for children from Junior Infants through to Sixth Class, with a current enrolment of around 107 pupils. It operates with a team of five teachers, a full‑time Special Educational Needs (SEN) teacher and two Special Needs Assistants, providing a supportive learning environment for a diverse pupil body. The school places a strong emphasis on the integration of technology and active learning. Each classroom is equipped with an interactive whiteboard and an iPad, while pupils have access to laptops and a dedicated computer room. Extensive outdoor space supports physical activity, and the school participates in a range of national initiatives, including Active School, Digital School of Distinction, Discover Science & Maths, Gael‑Bhráta, Health‑Promoting School, Blue Flag and Amber Flag programmes. These initiatives reflect a holistic approach that values academic achievement, digital literacy, physical wellbeing and cultural heritage.
History
The original school was located east of the present building, on the site now occupied by the Keel Community Centre. A new school building was erected in 1969 with three classrooms. In 2017 a fourth mainstream classroom was added, and in 2021 the school moved into its newest classroom, which also introduced a modern computer room. The expansion to a five‑teacher school was completed in September 2023, further enhancing the provision for both mainstream and special educational needs pupils.
Applying to Castledrum 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 Castledrum 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 Castledrum National School
How many pupils attend Castledrum National School?
Castledrum National School has 107 pupils enrolled, 58 girls and 49 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Castledrum National School a DEIS school?
No. Castledrum 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 Castledrum National School?
Castledrum National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.