Knocktemple National School
Virginia, Cavan
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 158 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 67 girls, 91 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17625L the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Knocktemple National School is a vibrant primary school serving the rural parish of Munterconnaught in County Cavan. The school’s ethos centres on nurturing each child’s unique potential within a safe, supportive and engaging environment. A strong emphasis is placed on inclusive education, with a partnership approach that encourages parents and guardians to be active participants in their child’s learning journey. The campus combines traditional charm with modern facilities. Recent extensions have added a well‑equipped PE hall, a basketball court, a sensory room and a spacious playground, providing ample opportunities for physical activity and creative play. The school also operates three dedicated ASD classrooms, ensuring that pupils with additional needs receive specialised support. A range of extracurricular clubs and activities further enriches the curriculum, fostering social, emotional and academic development for all students.
History
Knocktemple National School (*Cnoc an Teampaill* – “the hill of the church”) is situated in the townland of Knockatemple, parish of Munterconnaught, County Cavan. The earliest record of a school in the area appears in the 1821 census. A purpose‑built school was erected by Fr Nicholas Conaty between 1854 and 1856 and opened in January 1856. Detailed admission registers survive from 1862, documenting the school’s long‑standing role in the community. In the 2000s the school underwent significant development, adding extensions that provided new classrooms and upgraded facilities such as a PE hall, basketball court, sensory room and playground. Today the school continues to blend its rich heritage with modern, inclusive education.
Applying to Knocktemple 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
View Knocktemple National School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Knocktemple National School. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Knocktemple National School
How many pupils attend Knocktemple National School?
Knocktemple National School has 158 pupils enrolled, 67 girls and 91 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Knocktemple National School a DEIS school?
No. Knocktemple 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 Knocktemple National School?
Knocktemple National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.