The Old Schoolhouse dates back to 1863 originally founded by the Duke of Leinster, adjacent to the front gates of Kilkea Castle which was the Seat of the Fitzgerald Clan for over 700 years.  It was the national school for the surrounding area from 1863 to 1950 when the pupils moved to an adjoining new school.

The children moved up the road to its present site into a new two-classroom school. In December 1992 the local community was devastated following the destruction by fire of the school. For a period of time the pupils were accommodated in two rooms in a house provided by local residents. The school was rebuilt as soon as possible with the determined efforts of the school authorities and the support of the Kilkea community.

An extension to the building was completed and officially opened in October 2009. The school building expanded to a three-classroom building with a general purpose hall.

The crest reflects the school's collaborative and community approach and contains the school's motto 'Giorraíonn Beirt Bóthar'. The crest also shows four local images, Kilkea Castle, River Greese, the Waterpump at Kilkea Lodge Farm and Kilkea Church.