St Kilian's Junior School
Castleview, Dublin
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 281 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 137 girls, 144 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19556F the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Kilian’s Junior School is a vibrant junior primary institution situated in Tallaght, Dublin, catering for over 260 pupils. The school delivers a high‑standard, broad‑based curriculum that seeks to develop each child academically, socially, physically, spiritually and emotionally. Learning is enriched through a strong emphasis on STEM, digital innovation and mental‑health wellbeing, reflected in the school’s multiple national awards for excellence in science, technology, engineering, maths and digital initiatives. The school environment is designed to support holistic development, with dedicated spaces for specialist support, a well‑equipped library, science and technology labs, and outdoor play areas that encourage active learning. A collaborative ethos underpins everyday life, involving pupils, teachers, support staff, parents, the local church and the Board of Management, all working together to create a nurturing and inclusive community where every child can thrive.
History
Founded in 1979, St. Kilian’s Junior School began with two teachers, Principal Martin Molamphy and Vice‑Principal Kathleen Carroll, and 67 pupils who initially operated from St. Kevin’s Primary School, Kilnamanagh while the new building was completed. The purpose‑built premises, opened in January 1980, feature a St. Brigid’s cross‑inspired layout with a central square and four radiating corridors. In 1986 the Senior School was added under Principal Garrett Edge. After Molamphy’s retirement in 1997, Kate Sweeney became Junior School Principal, serving for 24 years until August 2021, when long‑serving staff member Noreen Coll assumed the role. Over the decades the school has expanded its staff team, including specialist support and special‑needs assistants, reflecting evolving educational needs.
Applying to St Kilian's Junior 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 Kilian's Junior 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 Kilian's Junior School
How many pupils attend St Kilian's Junior School?
St Kilian's Junior School has 281 pupils enrolled, 137 girls and 144 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Kilian's Junior School a DEIS school?
No. St Kilian's Junior 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 Kilian's Junior School?
St Kilian's Junior School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.