Naomh Charthaigh
Castleisland, Kerry
Key facts
- DEIS
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 53 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18325E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Naomh Chárthaigh provides a caring and inclusive learning environment in Castleisland, County Kerry. Every child is welcomed, represented and cherished, with a strong emphasis on reaching full potential regardless of background, nationality or faith. The school’s ethos promotes confidence, resilience and the social skills needed to thrive in an ever‑changing world, and it seeks to inspire a lifelong love of learning through high‑quality teaching and a warm, friendly atmosphere. The school’s vision centres on positive learning experiences that stimulate achievement and determination. Children are encouraged to be respectful, kind and independent learners, while staff work collaboratively to meet the diverse needs of all pupils. Facilities have been continually renovated since the new building opened in 1961, offering modern classrooms and spaces that support a broad range of activities, from physical education to STEAM clubs and student‑council initiatives. Scoil Naomh Chárthaigh also values strong community partnership, actively listening to parents, children and local stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensures that each member of the school community feels a sense of belonging and that their contributions are valued, creating lasting, positive memories of school life.
History
The school originated as Castleisland Boys National School, opening in 1875 on the Limerick Road near St John’s Park. After nearly 60 years, it moved in 1931 to the former hospital building on College Road, the present site of St Patrick’s secondary school, where it operated for 30 years. In 1961 a new purpose‑built school was opened on College Road and was renamed Scoil Naomh Chárthaigh. Since then the school has taken pride in continually renovating and updating its facilities.
Applying to Naomh Charthaigh
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 Naomh Charthaigh's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Naomh Charthaigh. 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 Naomh Charthaigh
How many pupils attend Naomh Charthaigh?
Naomh Charthaigh has 53 pupils enrolled. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Naomh Charthaigh a DEIS school?
Yes. Naomh Charthaigh 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 Naomh Charthaigh?
Naomh Charthaigh has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' primary school.