Crochan Naofa National School
Killarney, Kerry
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 49 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 33 girls, 16 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 10239R the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Crochan Naofa National School is a vibrant primary school serving the community of Caherdaniel, County Kerry. The school provides a modern learning environment where technology is fully integrated into everyday teaching – every classroom is equipped with interactive whiteboards, broadband internet and a range of computers that support the new curriculum. These facilities enable interactive lessons, digital research and the development of essential ICT skills from an early age. Beyond the classroom, the school places a strong emphasis on experiential learning and community involvement. Pupils regularly take part in a variety of enrichment activities such as cycling safety workshops, science experiments, nature walks, and creative arts projects linked to national initiatives like Creative Schools and Creative Places. The school also celebrates cultural traditions and local heritage through events such as Grandparents Day, World Book Day and seasonal celebrations, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among students and families.
History
Crochan Naofa National School opened in 1971, replacing an older building on a different site. The school was established on land donated by a local farmer and constructed by Jimmy King Construction, Waterville. It was blessed by the Bishop of Kerry, Dr Eamon Casey, with representatives from the Department of Education and local community officials in attendance. Over the decades the school has seen several principals and has retained the original school bell, a historic artefact still used to summon pupils to class. The school has evolved with the times, incorporating modern curricula, computers, interactive boards and broadband while remaining centred on the children of Caherdaniel.
Applying to Crochan Naofa 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 Crochan Naofa 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 Crochan Naofa National School
How many pupils attend Crochan Naofa National School?
Crochan Naofa National School has 49 pupils enrolled, 33 girls and 16 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Crochan Naofa National School a DEIS school?
No. Crochan Naofa 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 Crochan Naofa National School?
Crochan Naofa National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.