Poulacapple National School
Tipperary
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 46 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 15 girls, 31 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 14181J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Poulacapple National School is a small, spacious rural primary school serving the communities of Mullinahone, Callan, Nine Mile House and Windgap in County Tipperary. With approximately 50 pupils and a low pupil‑teacher ratio (four teachers, a full‑time SNA and a visiting SET), the school offers a nurturing, co‑educational environment that promotes both academic achievement and personal development. The school’s ethos, encapsulated in the motto “Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh síad” (“Praise the youth and they will come”), reflects a holistic approach that values spiritual, emotional, physical, social and cultural growth. A strong sporting tradition underpins the curriculum, with pupils regularly competing in Gaelic football, camogie, hurling, swimming, athletics and soccer, and achieving county‑level success in Cumann na mBunscol competitions. The arts are equally celebrated through visual‑arts projects, cross‑border peace proms, biennial drama productions and regular art exhibitions. Environmental stewardship is a core focus, with participation in the An Taisce Spring Clean and progress towards a sixth Green Flag. The school also offers experiential learning such as the Junior Entrepreneur Programme, and provides uniforms and tracksuits through a local supplier.
History
Education in Poulacapple can be traced back to local hedge schools and the Ormonde pay‑school established in 1850, built by the Ormond/Butler family and first taught by Gaelic scholar John Dunne. The present modern school building was erected in 1966 adjacent to the historic house, which now belongs to the O’Brien family. Situated near Sliabh na mBan and the 7th‑century monastic site of Killamery with its 9th‑century high cross, the school is steeped in local history and folklore. It celebrated its centenary in 1991, publishing a commemorative book documenting the school’s legacy and the community’s heritage.
Applying to Poulacapple 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 Poulacapple 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 Poulacapple National School
How many pupils attend Poulacapple National School?
Poulacapple National School has 46 pupils enrolled, 15 girls and 31 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Poulacapple National School a DEIS school?
No. Poulacapple 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 Poulacapple National School?
Poulacapple National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.