Mercy Primary School
Birr, Offaly
Key facts
- DEIS
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 141 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 03220F the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Mercy Primary School is a vibrant Catholic parish primary school situated in Birr, County Offaly. It provides education for children from Junior Infants through to Sixth Class under the patronage of the Catholic Bishop of Killaloe. The school’s ethos centres on creating a happy, secure and friendly environment where learning is paramount, and where staff, parents and pupils work in partnership to support each child’s development. A strong emphasis is placed on respecting the diverse cultural, religious and social backgrounds of its pupils, promoting tolerance, understanding and the celebration of individuality. The curriculum is delivered across a full range of classes, supported by a variety of extracurricular activities and events throughout the year, including science celebrations, music choirs and green‑school initiatives. Modern facilities such as a dedicated distance‑learning platform and an internet use policy ensure that pupils have access to contemporary resources while maintaining a safe online environment. The school’s commitment to holistic education is reflected in its focus on both academic achievement and the personal wellbeing of every child.
History
Mercy Primary School builds on the legacy left by the former Sisters of Mercy, continuing their tradition of Catholic education within the local community and operating under the patronage of the Bishop of Killaloe.
Applying to Mercy Primary 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.
School-published admissions links
These links come from the school's published admissions material. Check the school year shown before relying on dates or place numbers.
National term dates 2026/27
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Mercy Primary 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 Mercy Primary School
How many pupils attend Mercy Primary School?
Mercy Primary School has 141 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Mercy Primary School a DEIS school?
Yes. Mercy Primary School is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of Mercy Primary School?
Mercy Primary School has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' primary school.