Scoil Náisiúnta Cillin Liath
Cill Airne, Kerry
Key facts
- DEIS
- Gaeltacht
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 45 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 22 girls, 23 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19304B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Naisiúnta Cillín Liath is a rural Gaeltacht primary school situated on the banks of the River Inny in the heart of the Dromid Gaeltacht, South Kerry. As a DEIS‑designated school it provides a safe, inclusive and stimulating environment for every child, with Irish heard naturally in classrooms, on the playground, on the sports field and at community events. Since 2017 the infant classes have operated an immersion programme that has markedly increased fluency and confidence in the language, and the school was formally recognised as a Gaeltacht school in 2023. The school follows a holistic, bilingual curriculum that balances academic learning with a broad range of extra‑curricular activities. Pupils benefit from sport, music, dance, gardening, ICT (including LEGO Spike) and community‑based projects, all delivered through Irish. Strong links with parents and the wider community underpin the school’s ethos, fostering a collaborative partnership that supports each child’s personal development and prepares them for future challenges. Facilities include modern classrooms, a well‑equipped sports area, dedicated spaces for arts and crafts, and access to the surrounding natural environment, which is used for outdoor learning and gardening projects. The school’s location within a vibrant Irish‑speaking community enriches the educational experience, allowing children to engage with local traditions, culture and language on a daily basis.
History
The present school traces its roots to five historic schools in the Dromid parish: Scoil Chill Mhic Chiaráin (opened 1883), Scoil Mháistir Gaoithe (1847), Scoil an Chaisleach (1915), Scoil Doire Ianna (opened 1882, closed 1968) and Scoil Cathair Sabháin (1869, closed 1973). In 1968, after the retirement of Principal Pádraig Breathnach, pupils and staff from Derriana and Cashlagh merged, and in September 1973 the new Scoil Naisiúnta Cillín Liath opened on the former site of the small village school, enrolling 104 pupils. The school has since expanded its facilities, including the construction of a community hall (The Inny Tavern) in 1989 and the Our Lady of the Valley building in 1990, followed by further development projects in 2000 and the early 2000s. In 2017 the school began work on the Gaeltacht Identity Scheme, achieving official Gaeltacht status in 2023 and celebrating its 50th anniversary that year.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Cillin Liath
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 Cillin Liath. 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 Cillin Liath
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Cillin Liath?
Scoil Náisiúnta Cillin Liath has 45 pupils enrolled, 22 girls and 23 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Cillin Liath a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Cillin Liath 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.
Does Scoil Náisiúnta Cillin Liath teach through Irish?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Cillin Liath teaches all subjects through Irish. It is also located in a Gaeltacht area.