Glounaguillagh National School
Caragh Lake, Kerry
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 137 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 68 girls, 69 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 01583I the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Glounaguillagh National School is a Catholic co‑educational primary school serving Junior Infants to Sixth Class in the Caragh Lake area of Killorglin, Co. Kerry. Under the patronage of the Bishop of Kerry, the school delivers a balanced curriculum across six key learning areas: Language (Irish and English), Mathematics, Social, Environmental and Scientific Education, Art Education (including visual arts, music and drama), Physical Education and Social, Personal and Health Education. A strong emphasis is placed on inclusive learning, with six mainstream teachers, two full‑time special‑education teachers and additional needs assistants supporting a diverse pupil body. The school provides modern facilities that have been expanded over time, including a purpose‑built GP room, two extra classrooms, a resource room and dedicated storage space. Outdoor learning is encouraged through regular art activities and a range of outdoor pursuits. Glounaguillagh is committed to a “phone‑free” environment, promoting responsible use of technology by prohibiting smartphones and social media while at school and encouraging age‑appropriate video‑game choices. A supportive Board of Management and active Parents Association underpin the school’s community‑focused ethos.
History
The original school was constructed in the 1840s and opened in February 1841 as a two‑storey building funded by the board and Rev. F. Day. Boys occupied the ground floor and girls the upper floor, with six desks and timber floors. The school closed on 20 July 1887. A new building opened on 22 August 1887 on the site of the old school, re‑using some stonework and featuring a hall with separate entrances, flag‑stone and timber floors, and open‑fireplace heating. In 1968 the Department of Education proposed closure, but strong parental opposition preserved the school. Comprehensive renovation in 1983 added a new GP room, and further extension in 2006 provided two additional classrooms, a resource room and a storage room.
Applying to Glounaguillagh 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
View Glounaguillagh National School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Glounaguillagh National School. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Glounaguillagh National School
How many pupils attend Glounaguillagh National School?
Glounaguillagh National School has 137 pupils enrolled, 68 girls and 69 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Glounaguillagh National School a DEIS school?
No. Glounaguillagh 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 Glounaguillagh National School?
Glounaguillagh National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.