Garrydoolis National School
Pallasgreen, Limerick
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 29 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 14 girls, 15 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 10991B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Garrydoolis National School is a co‑educational Catholic primary school situated on the Limerick‑Tipperary border, serving the parishes of Nicker and Templebraden. The school’s mission is to provide a well‑ordered, caring and secure environment where the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural needs of pupils are nurtured. With a current enrolment of 29 pupils (2025/26), the school maintains a small‑class atmosphere that encourages close‑knit community ties and personalised learning. Recent investment has transformed the campus. A new indoor toilet block, modern office, extended corridor and dedicated car‑drop area improve day‑to‑day functionality, while a fully refurbished indoor space features new marmoleum flooring, upgraded heating, an alarm system and fresh interior and exterior paint. The outdoor provision includes a large rear field for games and athletics, a modernised play yard, and a diverse planting scheme of ash, birch, alder and other native trees, enhancing the natural environment. The school’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its second Green Flag (2009) and Active Flag (2015) awards. The school’s ethos is encapsulated in its motto, “Working Together / Ag obair le chéile”, promoting collaboration among pupils, families and the wider community. A vibrant programme of events – from Garda and fire service visits to sports and cultural activities – reinforces a holistic education that balances academic rigour with social and moral development.
History
Garrydoolis National School has been in existence for over 130 years. In 1989 it operated as a one‑teacher school and returned to a two‑teacher model in 1998. Significant building upgrades have been funded by the Department of Education and Science, including a new roof, indoor toilet block, office, corridor, car‑drop area, modernised yard, alarm system, central heating, new flooring and extensive painting. The Minister for Defence, Willie O’Dea, officially opened a school extension on 5 June 2005. Further improvements such as the demolition of the old coal shed and expansion of the play area were achieved through the CLÁR grant. Ongoing enhancements have been supported by a mix of government grants and parental fundraising.
Applying to Garrydoolis 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 Garrydoolis 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 Garrydoolis National School
How many pupils attend Garrydoolis National School?
Garrydoolis National School has 29 pupils enrolled, 14 girls and 15 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Garrydoolis National School a DEIS school?
No. Garrydoolis 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 Garrydoolis National School?
Garrydoolis National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.