St Michaels National School
Kilkenny
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 63 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 33 girls, 30 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 01300Q the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St. Michael’s National School, Danesfort is a co‑educational Catholic primary school under the patronage of the Bishop of Ossory, welcoming children of all faiths and none. The school serves a close‑knit community of around 63 pupils and places a strong emphasis on holistic development, encouraging active bodies and active minds. Learning is delivered in three bright, colour‑rich mainstream classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards and iPads, complemented by a newly opened classroom, library area and principal’s office (February 2025). A dedicated special‑education teacher, an English‑as‑an‑additional‑language teacher and special‑needs assistants support inclusive education, while a part‑time secretary and caretaker help the school run smoothly. The campus sits on an expansive three‑acre site on an elevated, south‑facing position, offering sweeping views of rolling farmland. Outdoor facilities include a tarmac basketball court, a children’s sports field, a playground with swings, slide, climbing frames and monkey bars, and a Millenium Garden where each pupil planted a tree in 1999. The school’s ethos recognises the central role of the family, fostering a safe, cooperative learning environment that nurtures each child’s potential and encourages community involvement.
History
A national school has existed in Danesfort since 1836, making it one of the earliest rural schools established after the National Education Act of 1831. The original building, now commemorated by a plaque beside St. Michael’s Church, was replaced by the present school building opened on 14 November 1988, comprising two classrooms, an office and toilets. A stand‑alone third classroom was added in 2013 and linked to the main block in 2019, when a universal‑access toilet and staff room were also created. In February 2025 a new classroom, library area and principal’s office were inaugurated, further enhancing the school’s facilities. The school’s roll number (01300Q) reflects its long heritage.
Applying to St Michaels 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 Michaels 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 Michaels National School
How many pupils attend St Michaels National School?
St Michaels National School has 63 pupils enrolled, 33 girls and 30 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Michaels National School a DEIS school?
No. St Michaels 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 Michaels National School?
St Michaels National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.