Moneenroe National School
Moneenroe, Kilkenny
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 127 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 67 girls, 60 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16204F the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Moneenroe National School is a co‑educational, Catholic primary school situated in the Glen, Moneenroe, County Kilkenny. The school’s ethos centres on fostering a vibrant learning community where faith, responsibility and respect are woven into everyday teaching. A strong emphasis is placed on nurturing both the academic and personal development of pupils, encouraging curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of learning. The school offers a broad, balanced programme that extends beyond the classroom. Pupils benefit from a wide range of extra‑curricular activities including sports (hurling, Gaelic football, rugby, cricket, soccer, athletics and handball), dance, gymnastics, swimming, music workshops, choir, ukulele and drumming sessions, as well as science experiments and Green Schools projects. Facilities such as a school garden, access to the Carlow Swimming Pool, and dedicated spaces for arts and sports support this holistic approach. Regular events like the annual Sports Day and participation in regional competitions further enrich the pupil experience. With a modest staff team and a commitment to inclusive, welcoming education, Moneenroe National School strives to provide a safe, supportive environment where every child can achieve their full potential.
History
Permission to build a new school was granted on 22 August 1911 and the Gazebo building was completed in 1913‑14. Senior pupils moved into the premises on 21 April 1914, but the school closed briefly from 14 May to 30 June 1914 due to a scarlet fever epidemic, after which a shortened summer vacation was advised. Initially, separate boys’ and girls’ schools operated in the same building with distinct entrances and staff. In the early 1940s the two schools amalgamated into mixed classes. Renovations in 1985 modernised the building with new windows, concrete floors, carpets and staff‑room alterations. During the 1990s, a major fundraising effort led by the Parents’ Committee and the parish priest resulted in an extension to the school.
Applying to Moneenroe 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 Moneenroe 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 Moneenroe National School
How many pupils attend Moneenroe National School?
Moneenroe National School has 127 pupils enrolled, 67 girls and 60 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Moneenroe National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Moneenroe 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 Moneenroe National School?
Moneenroe National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.