Sliabh A' Mhadra National School
Tralee, Kerry
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 107 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 58 girls, 49 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 03132I the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Sliabh A’ Mhadra National School is set in a tranquil, picturesque location in the heart of the Ballyduff/Causeway parish in North Kerry. Overlooking the majestic River Shannon with Loop Head and the Clare coastline on the horizon, the school benefits from a natural environment that enhances learning and play. The school prides itself on providing a rich, stimulating educational setting where every pupil is valued, cherished and encouraged to reach their full potential. The ethos is firmly rooted in a caring, supportive community that works in partnership with parents. Guided by a Christian ethos, the school promotes a positive self‑image and confidence in each child. A well‑balanced curriculum equips students with the skills, attitudes and knowledge required to become mature, responsible and well‑rounded individuals, ready to contribute meaningfully to society.
History
The origins of Sliabh A’ Mhadra lie in a “Hedge School” that operated in the townland of Ardoughter near Slievadara, opposite O’Connor’s shop. Established during the Penal Laws when Catholic education was prohibited, the school charged fees for tuition and taught reading, writing, arithmetic, history and geography through the Irish language, with occasional instruction in Greek and Latin. Although outlawed for much of the 18th century, the Ardoughter Hedge School persisted, laying the foundation for the present national school.
Applying to Sliabh A' Mhadra National School
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 Sliabh A' Mhadra National School. 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 Sliabh A' Mhadra National School
How many pupils attend Sliabh A' Mhadra National School?
Sliabh A' Mhadra National School has 107 pupils enrolled, 58 girls and 49 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Sliabh A' Mhadra National School a DEIS school?
No. Sliabh A' Mhadra National School 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 Sliabh A' Mhadra National School?
Sliabh A' Mhadra National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.