Meenkilly National School
Limerick
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 101 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 52 girls, 49 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16239B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Meenkilly National School is a co‑educational primary school set on a spacious site on Caher Hill, High Road, between Abbeyfeale and Mountcollins in West Limerick. Overlooking the Mullaghareirk Mountains and County Kerry, the school benefits from a tranquil, picturesque environment that enhances learning. The campus provides a rich, stimulating setting where pupils can enjoy a balance of indoor and outdoor activities, encouraging curiosity, creativity and a love of learning. The school follows an active, holistic educational approach. It is engaged in the Active Schools programme, promoting fundamental movement skills through cycling, dancing, GAA, yoga and marathon running. A strong emphasis is placed on outdoor education, with a biodiversity project, a newly built polytunnel for gardening, a sensory garden and play tunnel. Pupils also have ample opportunities in STEM, arts and music, and the school has been recognised in competitions such as the Young Engineers of Ireland Award and participates in the Junior Entrepreneur Programme. Communication with families is facilitated through Class Dojo and Aladdin, ensuring a collaborative partnership between home and school.
History
The first national school on the site was erected in 1854 by local residents under the direction of Father Connery of Abbeyfeale. It was a thatched building that served the community until 1915, when a new school structure was constructed. Notable historical staff included Michael Curtin, David Ward (Principal Teacher 1895‑1901) and John Broderick (teacher 1886‑1929). The school has evolved from its modest origins to a modern institution with four classrooms, nine staff members and around 92 pupils, while retaining its historic connection to the surrounding landscape.
Applying to Meenkilly 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 Meenkilly 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 Meenkilly National School
How many pupils attend Meenkilly National School?
Meenkilly National School has 101 pupils enrolled, 52 girls and 49 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Meenkilly National School a DEIS school?
No. Meenkilly 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 Meenkilly National School?
Meenkilly National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.