Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire Naofa
DUNSANY, Meath
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 113 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 56 girls, 57 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17742P the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Kiltale National School is a small, friendly, co‑educational rural primary school situated in the green fields of County Meath. It serves children from four to thirteen years of age under the patronage of the Roman Catholic Church while welcoming pupils of all denominations. The school places the well‑being of each child at the heart of its ethos, fostering a caring, safe and stimulating environment where learners are encouraged to develop creatively, compassionately and confidently. A strong partnership with parents, the parish and the wider community underpins the school’s approach, which blends the national curriculum with a rich programme of music, drama, visual arts and a wide range of sports, including swimming, hurling, Gaelic football, rounders and soccer. The campus comprises five spacious classrooms equipped with interactive panels, a dedicated SET (Special Educational Needs) room, a PE hall and extensive outdoor facilities. Pupils benefit from a free book scheme, a school‑bus service, a playground with varied equipment, a raised playing pitch and additional playing space, all designed to support active play and inclusive participation. The school’s Board of Management, drawn from the local community, provides oversight to ensure the school’s standards, principles and ethos are upheld.
History
Scoil Mhuire Naofa Kiltale traces its origins to 1842 when the Earl of Fingal donated the site on which the original school and teacher’s residence were built, accommodating around sixty pupils. In 1951, parish fundraising enabled the construction of the present school building, which opened with two teachers. Over the decades the school has expanded and now educates approximately 122 pupils, supported by a team of five teachers, a special needs assistant, a part‑time cleaner and a part‑time secretary.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire Naofa
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 Mhuire Naofa. 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 Mhuire Naofa
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire Naofa has 113 pupils enrolled, 56 girls and 57 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire Naofa a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire Naofa 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 Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire Naofa?
Scoil Náisiúnta Mhuire Naofa has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.