Ardscoil Ris
Limerick
Key facts
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 728 larger than the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 64201T the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ardscoil Rís is a Catholic all‑boys secondary school situated on the North Circular Road in Limerick. Established in 1963 under the trusteeship of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, the school now educates approximately 745 pupils and employs a staff of more than 70. Its ethos is built around a holistic education that seeks to balance rigorous academic expectations with a wide‑ranging co‑ and extra‑curricular programme, encouraging students to develop intellectually, socially and spiritually. The campus is a bright, modern facility opened in March 2014, with a purpose‑built theatre added in 2019. State‑of‑the‑art classrooms, science labs and dedicated spaces support a comprehensive curriculum that includes Junior Cycle, Transition Year and Senior Cycle programmes. A strong sporting tradition is evident through competitive hurling, rugby and a growing hockey programme, while a vibrant student life is fostered by a Student Council, Parent Council and Past Pupil Union. Career guidance, pastoral care and a range of clubs further enrich the student experience, preparing graduates for life beyond school.
History
Ardscoil Rís was founded in 1963 as a Catholic all‑boys secondary school. It has grown to serve a large student body while maintaining its commitment to the values of the Edmund Rice tradition.
Applying to Ardscoil Ris
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 Ris. 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 Ris
How many pupils attend Ardscoil Ris?
Ardscoil Ris has 728 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Ardscoil Ris a DEIS school?
No. Ardscoil Ris is not part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme of additional supports for schools serving communities at risk of educational disadvantage. Not holding DEIS status says nothing about how good a school is, only about the profile of the community it serves.
What is the ethos of Ardscoil Ris?
Ardscoil Ris has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' post-primary school.