Local Amenities
We are very lucky in St John of God N.S. to have our school centrally located in Kilkenny City. This means we are within walking distance of amenities and institutions that offer educational opportunities to our pupils to learn outside the classroom environment. Indeed we have very close educational links with many institutions.
Kilkenny Castle and Park
The Castle Park affords every class the opportunity to observe plant, animal and bird life through the various seasons. Conducted tours and tree trails are run annually by the staff of the castle. On a number of occasions during their years in primary school our girls are taken on historical tours of the castle. The Parade, located outside the castle, also gives the pupils the opportunity to view visiting music and public events.
Butler Gallery, Kilkenny Castle
The Butler Gallery located in Kilkenny castle invites the school to all it’s art exhibitions and installations. Classes get to engage with the exhibitions through visits lead by the gallery’s education curator. The school also takes part in the Artist In Residence In Primary Schools programme which gives the girls a chance to collaborate with a professional artist over an extended period of time.
Rothe House
Rothe House is one of the finest examples of a medieval residence in Ireland. The school has a long tradition of visiting the house and it’s gardens. The staff and volunteers are always helpful in enlightening the pupils about the history of our ancestors and how they lived in Kilkenny.
Loughboy Library
The library runs a wonderfully varied programme for school children. Classes from St. John of God N.S. attend storytelling, visiting authors, poetry workshops, and other organised events each year.
James Stephens GAA Club
St. John of God N.S. is located in the heart of ‘Village’ territory and regularly uses James Stephens GAA club grounds at Larchfield and Nuncio Road. Camogie and Gaelic Football blitzes are run by Brían Ryan as part of the Kilkenny GAA Coaching and Games Developments programme. When needed the grounds are always available as a home venue for our camogie and Gaelic football teams, and indeed on other occasions if necessary. We are very grateful to the club for their continuing support to the school.
The Watershed
We are lucky to be able to regularly use the wonderful facilities at The Watershed. The girls attend swimming lessons throughout the year and also use the running track and field for athletics.
All classes visit the Castle Park regularly to observe the different seasons. We are also lucky to enjoy nature walks in the Convent Garden and orchard!