Dunnamaggin National School
Kilkenny
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 115 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 52 girls, 63 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16827S the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Leonard’s National School, Dunnamaggin, is a mixed primary school serving children from Junior Infants through to 6th Class. The school operates within a Catholic ethos, integrating faith‑based celebrations such as St Brigid’s Day, First Holy Communion and Confirmation into the curriculum. A strong emphasis is placed on community participation, with regular events including Grandparents’ Day, Catholic Schools Week activities, and visits from local sporting teams, fostering a sense of belonging and civic pride among pupils. The school’s learning environment is complemented by a range of facilities that support both academic and extracurricular pursuits. A well‑equipped school hall hosts assemblies, performances and prayer services, while outdoor spaces are used for sports, bike rides and environmental projects. Participation in the Green Schools programme and the Health‑Promoting Schools initiative highlights the school’s commitment to sustainability and wellbeing. Regular newsletters and a detailed school calendar keep families informed of term dates, holidays and special events. A vibrant programme of activities enriches the pupil experience, from camogie visits and Kilkenny Day celebrations to creative projects such as Christmas Jumper fund‑raisers. These initiatives, together with a supportive Board of Management and active Parents Association, create a nurturing atmosphere that encourages academic achievement, personal development and community spirit.
Applying to Dunnamaggin 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 Dunnamaggin 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 Dunnamaggin National School
How many pupils attend Dunnamaggin National School?
Dunnamaggin National School has 115 pupils enrolled, 52 girls and 63 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Dunnamaggin National School a DEIS school?
No. Dunnamaggin 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 Dunnamaggin National School?
Dunnamaggin National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.