Lismore Mochuda National School
Lismore, Waterford
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 23 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 7 girls, 16 boys
- Ethos
- Church Of Ireland
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 14164J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Lios Mór Mochuda National School is a small, two‑teacher primary school situated in the heart of Lismore, County Waterford. The school embraces a community‑focused ethos centred on the values of love, respect and kindness, offering a welcoming environment for every child. Teaching is delivered within a supportive Christian framework that encourages the full development of each pupil’s academic, social and emotional potential. A broad range of extra‑curricular activities, including GAA training, drama and STEAM projects, complements the curriculum and caters to diverse interests. The school benefits from modern ICT facilities funded by a 2021 EU grant, providing iPads, keyboards and specialised software to bridge the digital divide and enhance literacy and numeracy learning. The purpose‑built premises, opened in 1990 and enhanced with a well‑equipped garden and playground, provide ample space for indoor and outdoor learning. Although there is no compulsory uniform, optional school merchandise is available, reinforcing a sense of belonging while maintaining flexibility for families. Small class sizes allow for personalised attention and strong links with parents and the wider community. Regular events such as fundraisers, barbecues and heritage centre visits foster a vibrant school life that reflects the town’s historic tradition of learning and worship.
History
The school was founded in 1962 by Dean Gilbert Mayes, who converted the Deanery stables into classrooms and opened the school on 6 March with thirteen pupils. In 1969 it amalgamated with the Church of Ireland school in Tallow, increasing enrolment to twenty‑seven. The school became a two‑teacher institution in 1975 and introduced an elected Board of Management. A new building and garden were completed in 1990, and the premises were formally opened in 1991 by Minister of Education Mary O’Rourke and Bishop Willoughby. The school motto, “Big Trees from Small Acorns Grow,” was displayed on a plaque at the entrance. A third teacher was added in 2001, with a prefabricated classroom later repurposed as a computer and learning support room. Over the decades the school has maintained strong community ties through activities, fundraisers and services in the cathedral.
Applying to Lismore Mochuda 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 Lismore Mochuda 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 Lismore Mochuda National School
How many pupils attend Lismore Mochuda National School?
Lismore Mochuda National School has 23 pupils enrolled, 7 girls and 16 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Lismore Mochuda National School a DEIS school?
No. Lismore Mochuda 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 Lismore Mochuda National School?
Lismore Mochuda National School has a Church Of Ireland ethos. It is a mixed primary school.