Kiltiernan National School
Kilcolgan, Galway
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 59 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 24 girls, 35 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17645R the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Kiltiernan National School, situated in Kilcolgan, Co. Galway, presents itself as “a place to learn and grow”, offering a child‑centred environment where pupils are encouraged to become numerate, literate, curious and caring. The school’s mission stresses the development of each child’s self‑awareness, dignity and respect for others, providing a safe space to make mistakes, ask questions and express opinions. Emphasis is placed on fostering independence and responsibility, preparing learners to participate fully in the wider world. The curriculum is complemented by a range of modern facilities, including an interactive whiteboard and dedicated resources for STEM learning – the school has been recognised with the SFI Discover Science & Maths award and a STEM award for its innovative programmes. Extra‑curricular provision includes a Montessori after‑school club, regular community events displayed on an up‑to‑date school calendar, and active engagement through social media channels such as YouTube and Facebook. These features combine to create a vibrant, supportive setting that promotes holistic development alongside academic achievement.
History
The origins of Kiltiernan National School trace back to the mid‑19th century when a new school was erected across from the local church in 1858, following earlier hedge‑schools and parish schools that served the surrounding rural parishes of Kilcolgan, Ardrahan, Killeenavarra and Dromacoo. Early education in the area was shaped by both Protestant and Catholic initiatives, with hedge‑schools operating from modest homes and offering fee‑based instruction. After the famine years of the 1840s, formal schooling expanded, culminating in the establishment of the three‑teacher Kiltiernan National School, which has continued to serve the community into the present day, evolving from its historic roots into a modern national school recognised for its STEM achievements.
Applying to Kiltiernan 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 Kiltiernan 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 Kiltiernan National School
How many pupils attend Kiltiernan National School?
Kiltiernan National School has 59 pupils enrolled, 24 girls and 35 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Kiltiernan National School a DEIS school?
No. Kiltiernan 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 Kiltiernan National School?
Kiltiernan National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.