Kilgobnet National School
Killarney, Kerry
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 92 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 55 girls, 37 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 07841L the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Kilgobnet National School is a caring, Catholic primary school that provides a quality national school education in a safe, friendly atmosphere. The school’s ethos emphasises mutual respect, trust and partnership between management, staff, pupils and parents, fostering an environment where every child is valued and encouraged to develop intellectually, socially, spiritually, morally, athletically, culturally and physically. The curriculum is supported by a range of dedicated resources, including a “Kids Zone” with interactive literacy and numeracy tools, and a strong focus on health and wellbeing through its Health‑Promoting School programme, which offers guidance on healthy snacks, head‑lice management and overall wellness. The school operates across four class groups – Infants, First and Second, Third and Fourth, and Fifth and Sixth – each with its own class page where teachers and pupils regularly post updates. Kilgobnet embraces environmental stewardship through its participation in the Green Schools programme and the display of the Biodiversity Flag. Modern facilities, a picturesque rural setting and a commitment to inclusive education, including provisions for special educational needs, ensure that pupils receive a well‑rounded education that prepares them for future learning and life.
History
Education in Kilgobnet dates back to a hedge school taught by Mr. Fleming. Following the 1831 National Education Act, the original Kilgobnet school was built in 1934 with three rooms, later expanded with a prefab after the closure of nearby Gortnascarry school. In 1988 the old building was replaced by a new, modern structure in a scenic location. The school’s leadership lineage includes principals Andrew O’Sullivan, William Coughlan, James Kennedy, Dan Clifford, William Langford, Murt Kelly, Pat O’Connor and the current principal, Bernadette Costello.
Applying to Kilgobnet 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 Kilgobnet 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 Kilgobnet National School
How many pupils attend Kilgobnet National School?
Kilgobnet National School has 92 pupils enrolled, 55 girls and 37 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Kilgobnet National School a DEIS school?
No. Kilgobnet 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 Kilgobnet National School?
Kilgobnet National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.