Cill Coscain
The Ward, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 107 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 57 girls, 50 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17595F the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Cill Coscain National School is a mixed primary school serving children from Junior Infants through to 6th Class. The school offers a broad, child‑centred curriculum that incorporates traditional Irish language elements alongside a strong emphasis on science, discovery and active learning. Small‑class provision and a dedicated Special Class for pupils on the autism spectrum demonstrate the school’s commitment to inclusive education and to meeting the individual needs of every learner. The campus includes purpose‑built classrooms for each year group, specialised spaces for small‑class and special‑class activities, and well‑equipped areas for science and outdoor play. A vibrant programme of extracurricular activities – ranging from cultural events to sports and environmental projects – is supported by a regularly updated calendar and news section, fostering a lively community spirit. The school’s ethos, outlined on its “Our School” pages, highlights values of respect, collaboration and lifelong learning, aiming to nurture confident, caring citizens prepared for the challenges of the future.
History
The first Kilcoskan National School was built after Reverend Crofts of the Glebe, Kilsallaghan, donated a plot of land in 1864. It was a one-room school with a single teacher, standing less than 500 metres from the present site, with living quarters for the school master above the classroom; about 20 pupils attended at first. A second classroom was fitted in the 1930's, but by the early 1940's overcrowding meant a new school was needed. The Monks family donated land for it, and the Parish Priest, Fr. Kevlihan, organised the building, with fundraising by Mrs. Collins and Headmistress Mrs. "Mag" Clinch; the new building was ready for use in 1948 and remains the main school building today. The school is also linked to Blessed Francis Taylor, and is sometimes called Francis Taylor National School. A large classroom and reception area were added in 2004, prefabs were used between 2004 and 2014, and a major building project, including a facility for teaching children with autism, was completed in 2015.
Applying to Cill Coscain
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 Cill Coscain. 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 Cill Coscain
How many pupils attend Cill Coscain?
Cill Coscain has 107 pupils enrolled, 57 girls and 50 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Cill Coscain a DEIS school?
No. Cill Coscain 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 Cill Coscain?
Cill Coscain has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.