Scoil Bhreanainn
Killarney, Kerry
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 97 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 47 girls, 50 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 11419B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Brendan’s College (Scoil Bhreannainn) is a Catholic secondary school for boys situated in Killarney, County Kerry, set within beautifully appointed gardens on the doorstep of Killarney National Park. The college combines a rich educational heritage with modern, purpose‑built facilities that are currently undergoing a €20 million redevelopment under the Major Capital Works Programme. Classrooms and learning spaces are being refurbished with cutting‑edge technology to support a 21st‑century curriculum while retaining the architectural significance of the historic buildings. The school delivers a holistic, student‑centred education across the Junior and Senior Cycles, including a first‑year taster programme, the Junior Certificate, Transition Year and a range of Leaving Certificate options. A broad co‑curricular programme underpins academic learning, offering extensive sports, cultural activities such as choir and music, and a strong emphasis on student wellbeing. Leadership development is fostered through an active Students’ Council, and parents are encouraged to partner with the college via regular communication, meetings and a proactive Parents’ Association.
History
St. Brendan’s College has a long tradition of providing educational excellence for the young men of Killarney and its hinterland. The college’s historic buildings and gardens reflect its longstanding presence in the community, and recent investment in a €20 million capital works programme demonstrates a commitment to revitalising its facilities for future generations.
Applying to Scoil Bhreanainn
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 Bhreanainn. 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 Bhreanainn
How many pupils attend Scoil Bhreanainn?
Scoil Bhreanainn has 97 pupils enrolled, 47 girls and 50 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Bhreanainn a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Bhreanainn 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 Bhreanainn?
Scoil Bhreanainn has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.