Killenaule National School
Thurles, Tipperary
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 135 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 65 girls, 70 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19356U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Mary’s Central National School is a large, rural primary school situated in Killenaule, County Tipperary. It provides full‑time education for boys and girls from Junior Infants through to Rang 6, with a structured timetable that sees the whole school open at 9.20 am and younger infants released at 2.00 pm, while older pupils finish at 3.00 pm. The school’s curriculum is delivered within a supportive community ethos, emphasising both academic achievement and the development of personal and social skills. A range of engaging initiatives and events are offered throughout the year, fostering a vibrant learning environment that encourages curiosity and participation. A distinctive feature of the school is its commitment to inclusive education. It operates two dedicated special classes for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), integrating these pupils fully into the school community. In 2021 the school received a grant under the Irish National Recovery and Resilience Plan, enabling the acquisition of digital resources that bridge the digital divide and enhance teaching and learning for learners at risk of educational disadvantage. Additional fundraising activities, such as a weekly school lotto, support the school’s programmes and facilities.
History
St. Mary’s Central NS was built in 1970 and has since served the town of Killenaule and its surrounding rural catchment, evolving to accommodate both mainstream and specialised autism classes.
Applying to Killenaule 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.
School-published admissions links
These links come from the school's published admissions material. Check the school year shown before relying on dates or place numbers.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Killenaule 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 Killenaule National School
How many pupils attend Killenaule National School?
Killenaule National School has 135 pupils enrolled, 65 girls and 70 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Killenaule National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Killenaule National School 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 Killenaule National School?
Killenaule National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.