Scoil Náisiúnta An Chlochan
Kerry
Key facts
- Gaeltacht
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 55 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 20 girls, 35 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 14987H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Náisiúnta an Chlocháin is a co-educational Irish-language Catholic primary school located just outside Cloghane village in County Kerry, overlooking the estuary. The school operates under the patronage of the Bishop of Cork and Kerry and provides education through full Irish immersion (Tumoideachas), having received Gaeltacht school recognition in 2017. Enrolment for the 2025/2026 school year stands at 54 pupils, with four permanent teachers supported by a language support teacher, a special needs assistant, a part-time secretary and a part-time caretaker. The school's stated mission is to provide a high standard of education through Irish, within a Christian ethos that promotes respect for others and Irish heritage. The school community includes staff, pupils and parents, and the school states its aim as creating a positive, safe environment where each child can develop their abilities. The school has a long history of serving the children of the Brandon and Cloghane area.
History
The school opened at its present location on 2 May 1900, having previously been situated by the sea at the bottom of the lane. An 1896 inspection recorded 120 children in a single room suitable for only 60. The first known principal was Donnchadh Ó Conchubhair from Doire na Muice. James 'Jimmon' Walsh was appointed principal in 1881, with his wife Margaret appointed assistant in 1893. The school amalgamated with Baile Uí Dhuinn School in 1971. Renovations took place in 1986 and again in 2008. Irish was added to the curriculum in March 1925. The school gained recognition as a Scoil Ghaeltachta in 2017, with full Irish immersion in place since then. Enrolment stood at 46 pupils in 2002 and had grown to 54 by 2025.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta An Chlochan
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 An Chlochan. 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 An Chlochan
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta An Chlochan?
Scoil Náisiúnta An Chlochan has 55 pupils enrolled, 20 girls and 35 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta An Chlochan a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Náisiúnta An Chlochan 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.
Does Scoil Náisiúnta An Chlochan teach through Irish?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta An Chlochan teaches all subjects through Irish. It is also located in a Gaeltacht area.