Meanscoil Naomh Ioseph
Castleisland, Kerry
Key facts
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 211 smaller than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 61260U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Presentation Secondary School, Castleisland is a voluntary Catholic all‑girls secondary school situated in the heart of Castleisland, County Kerry. Guided by a Catholic ethos rooted in Nano Nagle’s vision, the school offers a welcoming, inclusive environment that prioritises respect, encouragement, inspiration, nurturing and support. Academic excellence is pursued across the Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Senior Cycle, with a strong emphasis on developing confident, independent young adults who love learning and become positive role models in society. The school combines innovative teaching practices with a well‑equipped technological learning environment, providing students with modern resources to enhance their studies. A broad curriculum is complemented by a rich programme of extra‑curricular activities, including sport, performing arts and a range of co‑curricular clubs, allowing pupils to explore and develop a wide variety of talents. Facilities have expanded over the decades and now include the St Anne’s Building, St Elizabeth’s Building and St John’s Hall, alongside specialised spaces for science, technology and the arts. Ongoing upgrades ensure that the campus remains fit for contemporary education while retaining its historic character.
History
The Presentation Sisters, founded by Nano Nagle in 1775, arrived in Castleisland in October 1846 when Mother Joseph Hartnett established a new foundation. In 1850, aided by Michael Hartnett, a school run by the Sisters opened. From 1927‑1945 a ‘Secondary Top’ operated within the primary school, and in September 1946 a separate secondary school began in the Parish Hall. The school moved to the Imperial Hotel in 1951, enrolling over 100 girls. A new secondary premises opened in 1968 after a primary school relocation, with major extensions added in 1972 (St John’s Hall), 1974 (St Anne’s Building) and 1978 (St Elizabeth’s Building). Since 2007 the school has been part of CEIST (Catholic Education – an Irish Schools Trust). The 90th anniversary was celebrated in 2017, and the centenary is planned for 2027.
Applying to Meanscoil Naomh Ioseph
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 post-primary school dates apply broadly to Meanscoil Naomh Ioseph. 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: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 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 Meanscoil Naomh Ioseph
How many pupils attend Meanscoil Naomh Ioseph?
Meanscoil Naomh Ioseph has 211 pupils enrolled. That makes it smaller than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Meanscoil Naomh Ioseph a DEIS school?
No. Meanscoil Naomh Ioseph 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 Meanscoil Naomh Ioseph?
Meanscoil Naomh Ioseph has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' post-primary school.