Athlacca National School
Kilmallock, Limerick
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 88 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 51 girls, 37 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17155A the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Athlacca National School is a co‑educational primary school situated in the rural parish of Dromin and Athlacca, County Limerick. The school’s ethos is firmly rooted in the Catholic tradition while actively embracing children of all denominations, races and cultures. Its educational philosophy promotes holistic development, encouraging pupils to reach their full potential through a balanced programme of academic subjects and a wide range of extra‑curricular activities. Emphasis is placed on justice, mutual respect and partnership, with strong links between staff, pupils, parents and the wider community forming the backbone of school life. The campus has been continually modernised: the original 1938 building was refurbished after the 1972 amalgamation with Dromin National School, underwent extensive refurbishment in 2012 and was expanded with two new classrooms in 2014. These facilities support a contemporary learning environment, complemented by resources funded through an active school lotto and parent‑led fundraising initiatives. The school also provides structured support for transport to activities, comprehensive booklists and a well‑defined school day timetable, all aimed at creating a welcoming, secure and nurturing setting for every child.
History
The first National School in the parish was established under the National School Board in 1854, with Athlacca’s original school built in 1859 (now the Muintir na Tíre Parish Hall). The present school opened in September 1938, initially staffed by three teachers. In 1972 Dromin National School closed and merged with Athlacca National School, prompting a refurbishment and extension of the premises. Further extensive refurbishment took place in 2012, and two additional classrooms were added in 2014.
Applying to Athlacca National School
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 primary school dates apply broadly to Athlacca National School. 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: Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 (post-primary schools: Mon 15 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 Athlacca National School
How many pupils attend Athlacca National School?
Athlacca National School has 88 pupils enrolled, 51 girls and 37 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Athlacca National School a DEIS school?
No. Athlacca National School 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 Athlacca National School?
Athlacca National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.