At the Presentation Monastery National School, we educate boys from 2nd to 6th classes. Our ethos is guided by Catholic values and the legacy of the Presentation Brothers, with a strong commitment to inclusion, respect and community.

Located in the heart of Killarney, we have over 170 pupils currently enrolled across eight mainstream classes and two special classes – the Arbutus and Butterfly Rooms – which support pupils with autism.

Alongside core academic learning, we offer a rich variety of programmes that foster creativity, environmental awareness, entrepreneurship, and wellbeing. Pupils also engage in practical activities that develop critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork skills. We place a strong emphasis on sport, music, culture, and community links.

Above all, we aim to make school a place where children feel happy, safe and inspired to learn.

The history of The Mon dates back to 1838, when the Presentation Brothers arrived in Killarney at the invitation of Bishop Egan to take charge of the boys’ school. Led by Brother Paul Townsend, the first superior and principal, the Brothers began teaching in very poor conditions at Fair Hill, where the Arbutus Hotel now stands.

In 1839, the school became affiliated with the National Board of Education and received its first public grant, thanks in part to the support of Rev. Mother Teresa Kelly. Due to rising enrolment and inadequate facilities, efforts were made to build a new school. With support from the Earl of Kenmare, Vincent Browne, and the Morrough Bernard family, a site at Falvey’s Inch on Port Road was secured. Funds for the building were raised by Brother Gaynor in both Ireland and England. The new school officially opened on 7th January 1861 under the patronage of Bishop Moriarty. This site, now known as the Old Mon, remains in use today by the Kerry Parents and Friends Association.

A major milestone came in September 1958, when the school moved to its current location on New Road, officially opened by Bishop Denis Moynihan. A modern six-classroom building was constructed on land donated by the Brothers, marking the beginning of a new era for The Mon. An all-purpose room and a support classroom were added in 1980.

Brother Justin Kelly was the last member of the religious order to serve as principal. In 1989, he was succeeded by Derry Pyne, marking the school’s transition to lay leadership. Derry Pyne’s tenure is noted for fostering a strong sense of community and student-centred care.

Appointed principal in 2008, Colm Ó Súilleabháin led the school for 13 years, first as a teaching principal and later as a walking principal. Under his leadership, the school experienced continued development and modernisation. A significant refurbishment took place in 2009/2010, which included a new basketball court and a rainwater harvesting system.

In 2012, a monument created by parent and sculptor John Crowley was erected to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Presentation Brothers in Killarney, celebrating their long-lasting impact on education in the town. The occasion also featured an iconic parade through the town to the original school site on College Street.

In 2015, a new extension was constructed at the rear of the existing school building, providing three additional mainstream classrooms and a support classroom. These new rooms were designed with larger floor areas than the original classrooms, offering more space for flexible teaching and learning.

In 2021, a second major extension was officially opened by the Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD. This new wing included two special needs classrooms, a multi-sensory room, ‘Dott’s Garden’—an outdoor classroom—and a general-purpose hall dedicated to former pupil and teacher Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, famed for his heroic efforts during WWII as the 'Vatican Pimpernel'.

Mary Brosnan took over as principal in 2021, becoming the first female principal in The Mon’s long and distinguished history. Having taught for many years as a classroom teacher and led numerous school initiatives, she also served as a teaching vice principal prior to her appointment. Under her leadership, the school has continued to flourish.

In 2023, a state-of-the-art sensory pod was launched and officially opened by Minister of State Josepha Madigan. In 2024, the school was honoured as Best Kept Primary School in the Killarney Looking Good Awards, a testament to its welcoming environment and commitment to excellence.