Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal
Mastergeehy, Kerry
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 40 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 15 girls, 25 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 08687J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Muire Gan Smál is a Catholic co‑educational primary school serving children from Junior Infants through to 6th class. Situated in the heart of Castleisland, Co. Kerry, the school provides a welcoming centre‑based environment where academic learning is complemented by a strong emphasis on personal development and community values. The teaching team comprises fully qualified staff supported by a dedicated support‑teaching team, ensuring that each pupil receives tailored guidance and encouragement. The school operates six mainstream classes alongside three specialised classrooms designed for children with autism spectrum disorder, reflecting a commitment to inclusive education. A broad curriculum is enriched by a variety of extracurricular activities, including GAA, gymnastics and basketball, and the provision of on‑site before‑ and after‑school care supports families’ needs. Recent achievements such as the SFI Curious Mind Gold Award highlight the school’s active engagement with STEM subjects, while a Whole‑School Evaluation by the Department of Education in January 2024 praised the learning environment, teaching quality and pupil wellbeing.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal
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 Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal. 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 Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal?
Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal has 40 pupils enrolled, 15 girls and 25 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal 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 Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal?
Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.