Derryquay Mixed National School
Tralee, Kerry
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 32 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 13 girls, 19 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 15878H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Derryquay National School is a mixed, rural primary school situated in Derrymore East, Tralee, County Kerry, on the scenic Dingle Peninsula. It provides full primary education from Junior Infants to 6th Class within a Christian ethos that encourages respect, responsibility and caring for others. The curriculum is designed to meet the diverse needs of all pupils, with a strong emphasis on outdoor learning that connects children to the local landscape, wildlife and heritage. Regular trips and activities such as beach days, wetland visits and community sports foster a love of the natural environment and promote active, healthy lifestyles. The school benefits from close links with local sporting and cultural organisations, enhancing opportunities for music, Irish language, and cultural participation. Its commitment to holistic development is reflected in the attainment of several national recognitions, including the Active Flag, Green Flag, Blue Flag and the Goal Humanitarian School Award. Facilities include well‑maintained classrooms, a dedicated ASD classroom, and access to nearby community resources, all supported by a small, dedicated staff and an engaged parent‑teacher community.
History
A school has existed in Derryquay since the 19th century, being listed in Griffith’s Valuation of 1853. The original single‑room building stood east of Derryquay Bridge and survived the famine years. The present school opened in 1910, with an official attendance of 109 pupils recorded in 1922. In the 1980s a local meitheal carried out major road and yard improvements for safety. Extensive refurbishments were undertaken in 2002, during which the school temporarily relocated to the Jeannie Johnson Visitor Centre in Blennerville. The renovated and extended school reopened in 2003, and the centenary was celebrated in 2010 with a community event involving past and present pupils.
Applying to Derryquay Mixed 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.
School-published admissions links
These links come from the school's published admissions material. Check the school year shown before relying on dates or place numbers.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Derryquay Mixed 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 Derryquay Mixed National School
How many pupils attend Derryquay Mixed National School?
Derryquay Mixed National School has 32 pupils enrolled, 13 girls and 19 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Derryquay Mixed National School a DEIS school?
No. Derryquay Mixed 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 Derryquay Mixed National School?
Derryquay Mixed National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.