Scoil Aine Naofa
Limerick
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 224 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 167 girls, 57 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18177P the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Anne’s Primary School is a Roman Catholic primary school situated in the town of Rathkeale, Co Limerick. It offers a holistic education that nurtures the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, creative and physical development of each pupil, with a strong emphasis on mutual respect, punctuality and community values. The school’s ethos promotes the formation of right attitudes and values, encouraging pupils to become confident, caring individuals who contribute positively to society. The campus comprises 11 spacious classrooms, seven smaller resource rooms, a dedicated computer room, a parents’ room and a fine sports hall. Recent upgrades include a full re‑roof, insulation, rewiring and the addition of astroturf on two school yards in 2016. Refurbished infant rooms feature new furniture, flooring and storage, supporting a modern, comfortable learning environment. A wide range of extra‑curricular programmes, such as the Green Schools initiative, Junior Entrepreneur programme, Young Scientist competition and various sports and well‑being activities, complement the academic curriculum and foster a vibrant, inclusive school community.
History
The present school building was erected in 1959, replacing an earlier structure. The Sisters of Mercy arrived in Rathkeale in 1850 and were instrumental in providing education in the parish. The first principal was Sr Peter. In the late 1960s through the 1980s Sr Patricia Galvin served as principal, followed by Sr Lilian O’Kelly (1987‑1998). The school then transitioned to lay leadership, with Mrs Breda Enright appointed in 1998, succeeded by Mrs Marie Hilliard in 2001, and currently led by Mrs Mairead O’Donnell.
Applying to Scoil Aine Naofa
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 Scoil Aine Naofa. 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 Scoil Aine Naofa
How many pupils attend Scoil Aine Naofa?
Scoil Aine Naofa has 224 pupils enrolled, 167 girls and 57 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Aine Naofa a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Aine Naofa 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 Scoil Aine Naofa?
Scoil Aine Naofa has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.