Meanscoil Naomh Ioseph
School Details
About
Presentation Secondary School, Castleisland is a voluntary Catholic all‑girls secondary school situated in the heart of Castleisland, County Kerry. Guided by a Catholic ethos rooted in Nano Nagle’s vision, the school offers a welcoming, inclusive environment that prioritises respect, encouragement, inspiration, nurturing and support. Academic excellence is pursued across the Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Senior Cycle, with a strong emphasis on developing confident, independent young adults who love learning and become positive role models in society. The school combines innovative teaching practices with a well‑equipped technological learning environment, providing students with modern resources to enhance their studies. A broad curriculum is complemented by a rich programme of extra‑curricular activities, including sport, performing arts and a range of co‑curricular clubs, allowing pupils to explore and develop a wide variety of talents. Facilities have expanded over the decades and now include the St Anne’s Building, St Elizabeth’s Building and St John’s Hall, alongside specialised spaces for science, technology and the arts. Ongoing upgrades ensure that the campus remains fit for contemporary education while retaining its historic character.
History
The Presentation Sisters, founded by Nano Nagle in 1775, arrived in Castleisland in October 1846 when Mother Joseph Hartnett established a new foundation. In 1850, aided by Michael Hartnett, a school run by the Sisters opened. From 1927‑1945 a ‘Secondary Top’ operated within the primary school, and in September 1946 a separate secondary school began in the Parish Hall. The school moved to the Imperial Hotel in 1951, enrolling over 100 girls. A new secondary premises opened in 1968 after a primary school relocation, with major extensions added in 1972 (St John’s Hall), 1974 (St Anne’s Building) and 1978 (St Elizabeth’s Building). Since 2007 the school has been part of CEIST (Catholic Education – an Irish Schools Trust). The 90th anniversary was celebrated in 2017, and the centenary is planned for 2027.