Drumkilly National School
Cavan
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 96 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 44 girls, 52 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19202Q the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Drumkilly National School is a co‑educational primary school serving the rural community of Kilnaleck, County Cavan. Set close to St Joseph’s Church, the school provides a welcoming environment for children aged 4‑12, with a current roll of 96 pupils. The curriculum is complemented by a strong emphasis on community involvement and extracurricular achievement, evident in the range of activities highlighted on the site – from cross‑country running and camogie blitzes to art competitions and environmental projects. The school also supports a vibrant student voice through an elected student council, encouraging leadership and responsibility among learners. The school grounds feature a newly installed sundial commemorating a former principal, offering both a functional teaching aid and a focal point for school heritage. Additional facilities include a dedicated before‑ and after‑school care service provided by Laochra Academy, which operates on‑site from 8 am until the end of the school day, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for younger children. Resources for parents, such as links to maths, Gaeilge and English learning tools, further reinforce the school’s commitment to holistic development and lifelong learning.
History
The school marked its 50th anniversary on Saturday 14 June, celebrating with a mass, community refreshments, and a time‑capsule ceremony intended for opening on the centenary. A sundial was unveiled on 27 October 2023 in memory of former principal Master David Murphy, underscoring the school’s respect for its historical roots and local heritage.
Applying to Drumkilly 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 Drumkilly 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 Drumkilly National School
How many pupils attend Drumkilly National School?
Drumkilly National School has 96 pupils enrolled, 44 girls and 52 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Drumkilly National School a DEIS school?
No. Drumkilly 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 Drumkilly National School?
Drumkilly National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.