Kilfinane Convent Primary School
Kilfinane, Limerick
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 145 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 72 girls, 73 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 13026P the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Fhionáin is a vibrant rural primary school situated in the picturesque town of Kilfinane, County Limerick, at the foothills of the Ballyhoura Mountains overlooking the Golden Vale. The school provides education for children from Junior Infants to 6th class, with a current enrolment of around 134 pupils. Under Catholic patronage, the school follows the New Curriculum, delivering a broad range of subjects including English, Irish, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Music, Drama, Arts & Crafts and Physical Education, while also integrating Social, Personal & Health Education throughout the programme. The school places a strong emphasis on a holistic approach to learning, combining academic rigour with a rich programme of extracurricular activities. Pupils benefit from a well‑established music tradition, with a school choir, band and tin‑whistle lessons, as well as active participation in sport, particularly hurling and camogie, where the school has secured multiple titles since 2013. Scoil Fhionáin is actively involved in the Active and Green Schools programmes, Discover Primary Science, and the Junior Entrepreneur initiative, and it embeds information technology across the curriculum to enhance learning experiences. Facilities support a modern, enquiry‑based learning environment, with dedicated spaces for STEM projects, literacy and numeracy development, and a range of clubs such as chess and Gaelic games. The school’s commitment to wellbeing is reflected in its participation in health‑focused programmes and its partnership with the wider community, including after‑school music lessons provided by Ballyhoura Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
History
The present school building was completed in 2012 and was renamed Scoil Fhionáin in honour of St Finnan, who founded a Christian community on the banks of the River Loobagh in the 7th century. Since its opening, the school has grown to serve the local rural community, developing a strong tradition of academic achievement, sport, music and community involvement. It has received awards for its participation in the Active and Green Schools programmes, Discover Primary Science and the Junior Entrepreneur Programme, and has enjoyed a series of successes in South Limerick primary hurling and camogie competitions, winning five consecutive titles from 2013 onward.
Applying to Kilfinane Convent Primary 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 Kilfinane Convent Primary 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 Kilfinane Convent Primary School
How many pupils attend Kilfinane Convent Primary School?
Kilfinane Convent Primary School has 145 pupils enrolled, 72 girls and 73 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Kilfinane Convent Primary School a DEIS school?
No. Kilfinane Convent Primary 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 Kilfinane Convent Primary School?
Kilfinane Convent Primary School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.