S N MUIRE
School Details
About
Scoil Mhuire, Gowran is a co‑educational Catholic primary school under the patronage of the Diocese of Ossory, situated in the heart of County Kilkenny’s picturesque town of Gowran. The school’s ethos centres on a spirit of kindness, compassion, joy and a welcoming atmosphere, aiming to provide a happy, safe and friendly environment where children’s learning and personal growth are at the core of everyday life. A dedicated staff strive to deliver high‑quality teaching and a broad curriculum that encourages pupils to explore their individual talents through a range of curricular and extracurricular activities. The school boasts modern facilities to support both mainstream and special educational needs. There are ten mainstream classrooms, two special‑education rooms, a full library and an ASD multi‑classroom. Outdoor provision includes four playgrounds, two sports pitches, a woodland area and a sensory playground, offering ample space for physical activity and experiential learning. Scoil Mhuire’s inclusive approach ensures that every child, including those with additional needs, can thrive in a supportive and stimulating setting.
History
The original school in Gowran, now the Parish Hall, was erected in 1900 on the site of an old farmhouse owned by the Crooks (or Croaks) family, replacing an earlier school opposite the road that is now a cemetery. The present school building was constructed in 1958, initially staffed by four teachers. In 1967 the Gowran and Dungarvan schools were amalgamated, and an extension was added in 1979. Further development occurred in 2011 with a new classroom and two resource rooms. Today the school accommodates ten mainstream classes, two special‑education rooms, an ASD multi‑class, a library, four playgrounds, two pitches, a woodland area and a sensory playground.