Graig Na Manach Buac
Kilkenny
Key facts
- DEIS
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 68 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16311G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Graignamanagh Boys’ National School is a mixed‑gender primary school that embraces a collaborative, inclusive ethos centred on the motto “Learn Together, Build Together, Celebrate Together”. The school’s vision is to empower pupils to experience education as a diverse and cooperative pursuit within a supportive and nurturing environment, preparing them to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens. While the school operates under a Catholic ethos, it recognises and respects all other religions, fostering a community‑wide partnership among students, parents, staff and the wider locality. The school provides three mainstream classes and a dedicated Autism class catering for pupils from second to sixth class. A strong emphasis is placed on personalised learning, with special education teachers and a team of Special Needs Assistants supporting individual needs. Extracurricular activities such as orienteering in local parks illustrate the school’s commitment to outdoor learning, teamwork and problem‑solving. Facilities include well‑equipped classrooms, dedicated spaces for special education, and a caretaker‑maintained environment that underpins a safe and welcoming setting for all learners. Governance is overseen by a Board of Management appointed by the Bishop of the Diocese of Kildare Leighlin and the Minister for Education and Skills, ensuring the school’s ethos and mission are upheld. A proactive Parents Association works closely with staff and the Board to review policy, organise extra‑curricular programmes and provide support for families, reinforcing the school’s collaborative culture.
Applying to Graig Na Manach Buac
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 Graig Na Manach Buac. 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 Graig Na Manach Buac
How many pupils attend Graig Na Manach Buac?
Graig Na Manach Buac has 68 pupils enrolled. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Graig Na Manach Buac a DEIS school?
Yes. Graig Na Manach Buac is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of Graig Na Manach Buac?
Graig Na Manach Buac has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' primary school.