Castlemaine National School
Kerry
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 123 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 59 girls, 64 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18832V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Nestled at the foothills of the Sliabh Mish Mountains in the village of Castlemaine, Co. Kerry, Castlemaine National School (St Joseph’s NS) provides a vibrant, inclusive primary‑age environment for children aged 4‑13. The school operates five mainstream classes alongside four dedicated ASD support classes, ensuring that every pupil receives tailored instruction that meets both academic and developmental needs. A strong emphasis on progressive teaching methodologies underpins a curriculum that balances literacy, numeracy and the Irish language with a broad range of extracurricular activities, including music, sport, information technology and wellbeing programmes. The school’s ethos places inclusion at the heart of daily life, fostering a community where each child feels valued and empowered. Staff are equipped to deliver a holistic education that nurtures not only academic achievement but also personal growth, resilience and social responsibility. Situated in a picturesque setting close to the Dingle Peninsula and South Kerry, the school also serves as a cultural hub, celebrating local heritage while encouraging global awareness through projects such as Heritage Hunters and Feathered Friends. Strong links with the local community enhance the learning experience, with active parent‑teacher collaboration, a vibrant Parents’ Association and regular events that celebrate both tradition and innovation. The school’s commitment to health and safety is evident through comprehensive safeguarding policies, wellbeing resources and a focus on healthy eating, ensuring a safe, supportive environment for all learners.
Applying to Castlemaine 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 Castlemaine 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 Castlemaine National School
How many pupils attend Castlemaine National School?
Castlemaine National School has 123 pupils enrolled, 59 girls and 64 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Castlemaine National School a DEIS school?
No. Castlemaine 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 Castlemaine National School?
Castlemaine National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.