St. Finian's National School
Waterville, Kerry
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 110 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 65 girls, 45 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16014A the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Finian’s National School is a co‑educational primary school situated on the edge of Waterville, County Kerry. Rooted in a strong Catholic ethos while welcoming children of all faiths, the school prioritises a happy, safe and inclusive environment that nurtures each pupil’s academic, spiritual, creative and social development. Learning is delivered through a blend of modern classroom spaces – five bright rooms, including a newly‑built modular classroom – and dedicated learning‑support rooms, complemented by a well‑stocked library that encourages a love of reading. The school’s extensive outdoor provision enhances the curriculum, featuring a state‑of‑the‑art sensory garden, an astro‑turf pitch, a mud kitchen, a sand play area and a greenhouse. These facilities support physical activity, wellbeing and inclusive play. Strong community links, regular communication via the Eolas App, newsletters and monthly assemblies foster partnership with parents and the wider Waterville community. Student voice is valued through an elected Student Council, giving children leadership opportunities and a role in decision‑making.
History
The school building was completed in 1913 and officially opened in January 1915, initially comprising separate boys and girls schools in Spunkane and a junior school, St Joseph’s, in Lower Waterville. These three schools amalgamated to form the present St Finian’s National School. A centenary celebration was held on 14 March 2015, accompanied by the launch of a history book and the display of an extensive photographic archive documenting the school’s 110‑year legacy.
Applying to St. Finian's 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 St. Finian's 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 St. Finian's National School
How many pupils attend St. Finian's National School?
St. Finian's National School has 110 pupils enrolled, 65 girls and 45 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St. Finian's National School a DEIS school?
No. St. Finian's 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 St. Finian's National School?
St. Finian's National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.