Scoil Mhuire
Clonmel, Tipperary
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 111 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 50 girls, 61 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18538V the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Mhuire is a vibrant primary school situated in the heart of Newcastle Village, County Tipperary, catering for around 120 pupils. The school’s ethos is centred on the holistic development of each child, nurturing academic achievement alongside spiritual, moral, physical, and social growth. A calm, safe and inclusive environment underpins a stimulating curriculum that encourages curiosity, respect and a lifelong love of learning. The campus boasts modern teaching resources, including interactive whiteboards in every classroom, digital cameras, visualisers, computers, tablets and a full suite of science and maths equipment. Outdoor facilities feature a front and rear play area, a grass field, a sensory garden, a greenhouse and several allotments where children can grow vegetables and herbs. An adjacent astroturf pitch and sports hall support a wide range of sports such as hurling, football, basketball, hockey and athletics, while swimming lessons are provided for all classes from first to sixth. A rich programme of clubs and committees – from choir and green‑school initiatives to chess, debating and after‑school sports – offers pupils ample opportunities for personal development. Two dedicated ASD classrooms work collaboratively with mainstream classes, reinforcing the school’s commitment to inclusive education and regular field‑trip experiences that bring learning to life.
History
Oral tradition links the village’s first hedge school to the Walsh farmhouse on the Bahernaugh Boreen, with the headmaster role passing through generations until Gregory Walsh’s burial in the old cemetery. The first national school opened on the Melleray Road in 1864, operating as a two‑storey building until 1963, after which it became a private residence. Although a plaque records an opening date of 1961, the present school actually opened in 1963, initially short of the pupil numbers required for an extra classroom. A prefabricated annex was added in the late 1960s, and in 1986 the facilities were deemed inadequate, prompting the relocation of senior classes to the Muintir na Tíre Hall until two new prefabs allowed a return in 1988. Staffing expanded in 1986 with a fourth teacher, but reverted to three teachers in 1996 as enrolments fell. The original prefabs were replaced at Easter 2005; in June 2006 the main roof, boys’ toilets and a special‑needs toilet were refurbished. Subsequent extensions added three classrooms in 2009, another mainstream classroom and a SET room in 2015, and an ASD suite in 2023.
Applying to Scoil Mhuire
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 Mhuire. 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 Mhuire
How many pupils attend Scoil Mhuire?
Scoil Mhuire has 111 pupils enrolled, 50 girls and 61 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Mhuire a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Mhuire 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 Scoil Mhuire?
Scoil Mhuire has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.