Herbertstown National School
Herbertstown, Limerick
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 83 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 53 girls, 30 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17364J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Herbertstown National School is a vibrant primary‑level institution situated in Herbertstown, Kilmallock, County Limerick. The school embraces a whole‑person approach to education, aiming to develop academic ability alongside personal, social and cultural growth. A strong community ethos underpins daily life, with regular updates via a school calendar and an active online presence that keeps parents informed of news, activities and upcoming events. The school offers a broad range of facilities and programmes that extend learning beyond the classroom. Sporting provision includes rugby, hurling, Gaelic football, ladies’ football, soccer and rounders, often delivered in partnership with local clubs such as Bruff RFC. Creative pursuits are well supported through speech and drama classes, concerts and performances, and a dedicated H.D.A. centre where pupils design and make costumes. Additional support is provided by resource teachers, learning‑support staff and special‑needs assistants, ensuring inclusive provision for all learners. The school also runs community‑focused initiatives such as the Sammy Stamps savings scheme and regular parent‑teacher meetings, reinforcing strong ties between families and the school community.
History
Education in Herbertstown dates back to the penal era, when wandering friars and later hedge schools provided informal learning. By the early 1800s, several local hedge schools served dozens of boys and girls, and a notable mathematical school operated in the town. In 1853 a purpose‑built two‑storey National School was erected, funded by voluntary parish labour, with separate floors for boys and girls. The school came under the National Board in 1858. The current school building was constructed in 1943, at which point the previously separate boys’ and girls’ schools were amalgamated. Throughout the latter 20th century the school expanded its staff numbers, introduced resource and special‑needs teachers, and benefited from active parents’ associations and a Board of Management. Sport and cultural activities have long been integral, with successes in Cumann na mBunscol competitions and a tradition of drama, music and costume‑making.
Applying to Herbertstown 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 Herbertstown 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 Herbertstown National School
How many pupils attend Herbertstown National School?
Herbertstown National School has 83 pupils enrolled, 53 girls and 30 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Herbertstown National School a DEIS school?
No. Herbertstown 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 Herbertstown National School?
Herbertstown National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.