Colaiste Na Trocaire
Limerick
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 537 about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school (585 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 265 girls, 272 boys
- Ethos
- Inter Denominational
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects taught through Irish
- Roll number
- 76061W the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Coláiste na Trócaire is a multi‑denominational, co‑educational community college situated in Rathkeale, County Limerick. It operates under the joint trusteeship of the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) and the Sisters of Mercy, delivering the Irish secondary curriculum for both Junior and Senior cycles as well as a dedicated Transition Year programme. The college’s ethos is anchored in the ETB core values of Excellence in Education, Care, Respect, Equality and Community, shaping a learning environment that balances academic rigour with personal development and well‑being. The school places a strong emphasis on professional development and the implementation of the ETB ethos framework, with staff participating in a Professional Learning Network coordinated by the LCETB Ethos Coordinator. Facilities support a broad range of activities, from modern classrooms and specialised labs for science and technology to spaces for creative arts and sport, reflecting the college’s commitment to providing a well‑rounded education that prepares students for further study and active citizenship.
History
Coláiste na Trócaire is a multi‑denominational co‑ed Community College in the trusteeship of the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board and the Sisters of Mercy. It evolved from the amalgamation of Rathkeale Vocational School and Scoil Bhanríon na hEagna, opening in September 1995.
Applying to Colaiste Na Trocaire
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 Colaiste Na Trocaire. 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 Colaiste Na Trocaire
How many pupils attend Colaiste Na Trocaire?
Colaiste Na Trocaire has 537 pupils enrolled, 265 girls and 272 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish post-primary school, which has 585 pupils.
Is Colaiste Na Trocaire a DEIS school?
No. Colaiste Na Trocaire 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 Colaiste Na Trocaire?
Colaiste Na Trocaire has an Inter Denominational ethos. It is a mixed post-primary school.