Ardscoil Mhuire
Limerick
Key facts
- DEIS
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 591 about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 64290V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Ardscoil Mhuire is a co‑educational secondary school in Limerick that provides a distinctly Christian, Mercy‑based ethos. The school’s mission is to create an environment where every student is valued and supported to reach their full potential, both academically and personally. Teaching is underpinned by the values of compassion, respect and social responsibility, encouraging learners to develop confidence, critical thinking and a commitment to community service. The college offers a broad curriculum that balances traditional academic subjects with a range of extracurricular activities, including sport, music and cultural programmes. Modern facilities such as a dedicated school app, an online calendar and an admin portal enable smooth communication with parents and students, while the school’s policies on safeguarding, behaviour, and special educational needs demonstrate a comprehensive approach to student welfare. The campus reflects the heritage of the Sisters of Mercy, providing a welcoming atmosphere that blends historic tradition with contemporary educational practice.
History
Ardscoil Mhuire traces its origins to the first Mercy Convent founded in Limerick by Catherine McCauley in 1883. The Sisters of Mercy themselves were established by Catherine McAuley in Dublin in December 1831, following her lifelong commitment to educating the poor. From the early House of Mercy opened in 1827, the congregation rapidly expanded, founding numerous schools across Ireland and England. The Mercy tradition of providing education rooted in Christian values continues to shape Ardscoil Mhuire’s identity and community life.
Applying to Ardscoil Mhuire
For a September 2027 place, a school's formal admissions process cannot begin before 1 October 2026. The school sets its own opening and closing dates in its annual admission notice.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide post-primary school dates apply broadly to Ardscoil Mhuire. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- October Mid-Term Break: Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026
- Christmas Holidays: Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027
- February Mid-Term Break: Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (primary schools: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027)
- Easter Holidays: Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Frequently asked questions about Ardscoil Mhuire
How many pupils attend Ardscoil Mhuire?
Ardscoil Mhuire has 591 pupils enrolled. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Ardscoil Mhuire a DEIS school?
Yes. Ardscoil Mhuire is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of Ardscoil Mhuire?
Ardscoil Mhuire has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' post-primary school.