The focus of this article is the Revised Programme of Instruction (1900), which was devised in the final years of the nineteenth century and implemented in Irish national schools between 1900 and 1922. It begins by analysing the societal and educational context for the Revised Programme. Second, the work of the Commission on Manual and Practical Instruction, which provided the research evidence base for the introduction of the Revised Programme, is documented. This is followed by a delineation of the content of the programme, focusing in particular on the subject areas and methodologies. The impact of wider educational developments on the programme in this period is then reviewed, such as the reform of the inspectorate and teacher training. The implementation of the programme between 1900 and 1922 is then examined, highlighting successes and shortcomings in this regard. The article concludes by drawing implications for the contemporary context regarding curriculum planning and implementation.