Scoil An Linbh Iosa
Galway
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 236 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 133 girls, 103 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 04515G the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Mercy Primary School is a Catholic‑affiliated primary school situated in the heart of Galway City Centre, offering a nurturing and inclusive environment for children aged 4‑12. The school places a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy, delivering a broad curriculum that incorporates hands‑on science, mathematics, arts and crafts, and a range of extra‑curricular activities such as sports clubs, GAA, and creative workshops. A commitment to holistic development is evident through programmes like Junior Achievement Ireland, which provides experiential learning in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and STEM, as well as dedicated support for children with special educational needs. The campus features a bright, spacious building equipped with a large indoor hall, a fully surfaced enclosed yard, a safe playground, and a rooftop garden that supports the Green Flag environmental programme. Additional facilities include a specialised multi‑sensory space (Cubbie), an ASD classroom, and on‑site pre‑ and after‑school care (SALI Childcare) for added convenience to families. Modern teaching resources, a robust literacy and numeracy framework, and a culture of academic excellence underpin the school’s aim to maximise each child’s talents and potential.
History
Founded in 1842, Mercy Primary School has grown to serve almost 250 pupils with a team of 25 full‑time teaching staff. Since its establishment, the school has maintained a focus on providing a solid academic grounding while fostering a caring, community‑oriented atmosphere.
Applying to Scoil An Linbh Iosa
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 An Linbh Iosa. 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 An Linbh Iosa
How many pupils attend Scoil An Linbh Iosa?
Scoil An Linbh Iosa has 236 pupils enrolled, 133 girls and 103 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil An Linbh Iosa a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil An Linbh Iosa 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 An Linbh Iosa?
Scoil An Linbh Iosa has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.