The abandoned school was purchased by the Von Zitzewitz family having arrived in Kerry from Germany in 1965 to set up Kerry Head Cottage Industries.

The building was converted into a residence with craft shop and tea rooms. A network of local women from Ballyheigue to Glin produced Aran knitwear that was sold from the craft shop.

This industry continued into the early eighties at which stage the building reverted primarily to residential use.