Ballylanders National School
Ballylanders, Limerick
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 128 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 54 girls, 74 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 14305B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ballylanders National School is a primary school situated on Main Street in Ballylanders, Co. Limerick, providing education for children from infants through to 6th class. The school’s motto, “Together we can make things happen”, reflects a collaborative ethos that encourages pupils to celebrate their achievements and share their learning experiences with a wider audience. The school’s online presence highlights its commitment to community engagement, offering regular updates via a calendar and social media channels such as Facebook, X and Twitter. The daily routine is clearly structured: doors open and yard supervision begins at 8.45 am, with classes commencing at 9.00 am. A short break runs from 10.45 am to 10.55 am, followed by a lunch period from 12.30 pm to 1.00 pm. The school day concludes at 1.40 pm for infants and at 2.40 pm for 1st‑to‑6th classes. Facilities include supervised playground areas and classroom spaces designed to support the primary curriculum, while the school’s policies, enrolment information and calendar are readily accessible online.
History
Education in Ballylanders has been traced back to Penal times, when hedge schools operated in the area. National School education in the area dates to 1850, when approval was given for 2 schools catering for 100 boys and 100 girls, housed in a two storey building. In 1891, the parish priest applied for 2 new schools, and the site was purchased from Michael Condon. Two new schools, one for girls and one for boys, were built in 1893, each with its own principal until they were amalgamated under one principal in 1947; these two buildings form the present school and have been renovated and modernised over the years. An extension to the rear of the building, including a staff room and a new toilet block, was added in 1999. A further extension followed in 2008/09, adding 2 classrooms, a resource room, a general purpose room and an office. A classroom together with a Special Education Teacher room was added in 2014, and a further classroom and a large toilet suitable for wheelchair use were added in 2022.
Applying to Ballylanders 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 Ballylanders 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 Ballylanders National School
How many pupils attend Ballylanders National School?
Ballylanders National School has 128 pupils enrolled, 54 girls and 74 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Ballylanders National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Ballylanders National School 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 Ballylanders National School?
Ballylanders National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.