Castledrum National School
School Details
Location
About
Castledrum National School is a co‑educational primary school situated in the parish of Castlemaine at the gateway to the Dingle Peninsula, overlooking the Sliabh Mish mountains, Castlemaine Harbour and the MacGillycuddy Reeks, including Carrauntoohill. The school caters for children from Junior Infants through to Sixth Class, with a current enrolment of around 107 pupils. It operates with a team of five teachers, a full‑time Special Educational Needs (SEN) teacher and two Special Needs Assistants, providing a supportive learning environment for a diverse pupil body. The school places a strong emphasis on the integration of technology and active learning. Each classroom is equipped with an interactive whiteboard and an iPad, while pupils have access to laptops and a dedicated computer room. Extensive outdoor space supports physical activity, and the school participates in a range of national initiatives, including Active School, Digital School of Distinction, Discover Science & Maths, Gael‑Bhráta, Health‑Promoting School, Blue Flag and Amber Flag programmes. These initiatives reflect a holistic approach that values academic achievement, digital literacy, physical wellbeing and cultural heritage.
History
The original school was located east of the present building, on the site now occupied by the Keel Community Centre. A new school building was erected in 1969 with three classrooms. In 2017 a fourth mainstream classroom was added, and in 2021 the school moved into its newest classroom, which also introduced a modern computer room. The expansion to a five‑teacher school was completed in September 2023, further enhancing the provision for both mainstream and special educational needs pupils.