Kilkea National School.
Athy, Kildare
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 49 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 23 girls, 26 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17714K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Kilkea National School (Scoil Náisiúnta Cill Cae) is a small, three‑classroom, vertical primary school set in the scenic south Kildare countryside. The school provides a co‑educational, Catholic‑based learning environment that promotes a secure, caring and tolerant atmosphere where every child is valued. Its educational ethos combines a strong focus on holistic development – intellectual, physical, cultural, moral and spiritual – with a commitment to fostering joy, satisfaction and lifelong learning. Facilities include a purpose‑built GP Hall, a newly refurbished library equipped with comfortable bean‑bag seating, and a range of activity spaces that support sport, the arts and STEM initiatives. Recent investment through a 2021 grant under the Irish National Recovery and Resilience Plan has enabled the school to address the digital divide, enhancing ICT resources and supporting learners at risk of educational disadvantage. A vibrant programme of extracurricular activities – from cross‑country running and debating to music and community fundraising – reflects the school’s emphasis on community involvement, well‑being and the development of confidence and teamwork among its pupils.
History
The original schoolhouse was founded in 1863 by the Duke of Leinster adjacent to the gates of Kilkea Castle, serving the local area until 1950 when pupils moved to a new two‑classroom building on the present site. In December 1992 a fire destroyed the school, and pupils were temporarily housed in a local residence while the school was rebuilt with strong community support. An extension was completed and officially opened in October 2009, expanding the facility to three classrooms and a purpose hall.
Applying to Kilkea 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 Kilkea 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 Kilkea National School.
How many pupils attend Kilkea National School.?
Kilkea National School. has 49 pupils enrolled, 23 girls and 26 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Kilkea National School. a DEIS school?
No. Kilkea 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 Kilkea National School.?
Kilkea National School. has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.