Kilmurry National School
Castleisland, Kerry
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 107 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 57 girls, 50 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 10394G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Kilmurry National School is a co‑educational primary school (Buachaillí agus Cailíní) serving the rural community of Cordal, four miles from Castleisland in County Kerry. The school offers a vibrant learning environment that highlights a strong ethos, a broad curriculum and a variety of extra‑curricular activities designed to develop pupils academically, socially and creatively. Since a major refurbishment in 2010 the school benefits from modern facilities, including a new office and staffroom, a spacious corridor, individual classroom toilets and interactive whiteboards in every classroom, all of which support contemporary teaching methods. Set in the heart of the countryside, the school enjoys unspoilt scenic views and is flanked by historic landmarks such as Kilmurry House (the “Great House”) and Kilmurry Castle, adding a rich sense of place to the educational experience. The school provides inclusive provision, welcoming mainstream pupils as well as a specialist class for deaf and hard‑of‑hearing children. Detailed admission information and online enrolment forms are readily available, and the school maintains strong links with local businesses and the wider community.
History
Kilmurry National School was built in 1976 under the Department of Education title Scoil Mhuire B & C (Buachaillí agus Cailíní). It resulted from the amalgamation of three local schools – Glountaune, Reaglass and the old Kilmurry school. In 2010 the school underwent a major refurbishment funded by the Department of Education, adding a new office, staffroom, a spacious corridor, classroom toilets and interactive whiteboards throughout. The school is situated four miles from Castleisland in Cordal, surrounded by scenic countryside, with Kilmurry House (a 17th‑century building) to the rear and the 14th‑century Kilmurry Castle to the left.
Applying to Kilmurry 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 Kilmurry 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 Kilmurry National School
How many pupils attend Kilmurry National School?
Kilmurry National School has 107 pupils enrolled, 57 girls and 50 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Kilmurry National School a DEIS school?
No. Kilmurry 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 Kilmurry National School?
Kilmurry National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.