Scoil Naomh Iosaf
Adare, Limerick
Key facts
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 140 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 16712B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Naomh Iósaf is a vibrant primary school situated in the historic village of Adare, County Limerick. Set within a fine limestone building that dates back to the mid‑19th century, the school blends traditional values with contemporary educational practice. It offers a broad, balanced curriculum that includes Art, Literacy, Sport, Music & Drama, SESE, Aistear and STEM, ensuring pupils develop both creative and analytical skills. The school is equipped with high‑speed broadband through the Department of Education’s School Broadband Programme, supporting digital learning and modern teaching methods. The learning environment is described as a centre of happiness and encouragement, where doors are always open for parental involvement and collaborative ideas. Recent extensions to the 1965‑era building provide additional classroom space and specialised areas for the varied curriculum. Emphasis is placed on nurturing well‑rounded individuals, preparing them for the demands of the modern world while respecting the long‑standing traditions of the local community.
History
The original school was constructed from local limestone on the Rathkeale Road and initially served as a fever hospital before being converted into an educational facility. In 1853 the 3rd Earl of Dunraven donated the building to the Christian Brothers, and the school opened in 1854 to serve the boys of Adare and the surrounding region. A modern school building was erected in 1965, with further extensions added over the years. Today, Scoil Naomh Iósaf operates with a completely lay staff, continuing the strong tradition of educating young boys from the Adare community.
Applying to Scoil Naomh Iosaf
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 Scoil Naomh Iosaf's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Scoil Naomh Iosaf. 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 Scoil Naomh Iosaf
How many pupils attend Scoil Naomh Iosaf?
Scoil Naomh Iosaf has 140 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Naomh Iosaf a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Naomh Iosaf 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 Naomh Iosaf?
Scoil Naomh Iosaf has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' primary school.