Our Lady of Mercy National School
Sligo
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 449 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 232 girls, 217 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19985F the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Our Lady of Mercy Primary School is a vibrant Catholic‑ethos primary school in Sligo that welcomes children of all faiths and none. The school provides a safe, inclusive environment where every child is valued and supported, with a strong focus on developing collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, communication, citizenship and compassion. Learning is presented as fun and engaging, encouraging curiosity and a sense of wonder while preparing pupils to become confident, responsible global citizens. The school makes extensive use of evidence‑based programmes such as The Incredible Years, Restorative Practices, Reading Recovery, Maths Recovery and the Nurture framework, ensuring high‑quality, research‑informed teaching. Facilities include modern inter‑communication and alarm systems, dedicated Autism Special Classes for 18 pupils, and a well‑resourced classroom environment supported by special needs assistants and ancillary staff. A dedicated team of teachers, SNAs and support staff work together to deliver a high standard of education for the 443 pupils enrolled.
History
Our Lady of Mercy Primary School opened in 1993 following the amalgamation of three historic schools – Scoil Chaitriona (1964), Scoil Fatima (1883) and Scoil Phadraig (1888). Since its inception the school has been well equipped with modern inter‑communication and alarm systems. Leadership has progressed from Sister Annette Duignan (1993‑1998) through a series of principals, with the current principal appointed in 2022. Notable alumni include Junior World Cycling Champion Mark Scanlon and Westlife singer Shane Filan. In January 2025 the school enrolled 443 pupils, employed 38 teachers, 12.5 special needs assistants and operated three Autism Special Classes opened in 2004, 2005 and 2024.
Applying to Our Lady of Mercy 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
View Our Lady of Mercy National School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Our Lady of Mercy National School. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Our Lady of Mercy National School
How many pupils attend Our Lady of Mercy National School?
Our Lady of Mercy National School has 449 pupils enrolled, 232 girls and 217 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Our Lady of Mercy National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Our Lady of Mercy National 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 Our Lady of Mercy National School?
Our Lady of Mercy National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.