Primary school

Scoil Padraig Naofa B

LIMERICK

Key facts

  • DEIS
  • Boys
Pupils enrolled
197 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
Ethos
Catholic
Teaching through Irish
No subjects through Irish
Roll number
16443A the Department of Education reference for this school

School details

Address
DUBLIN ROAD, LIMERICK
Location
LIMERICK
School type
Primary
Latest inspection reports
View on gov.ie

About

St Patrick’s Boys National School in Limerick is a Catholic primary school that prides itself on providing a warm, caring environment where every child can develop intellectually, physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. The school’s ethos of *Treoir* (direction) and *Teagasc* (teaching) underpins a curriculum that balances strong academic foundations with a broad range of extra‑curricular activities. Pupils benefit from a supportive community in which staff work collaboratively with parents and the wider parish to nurture personal excellence and a love of learning. The campus, set on 2.59 acres, includes modern facilities such as a newly‑installed playground, dedicated spaces for robotics and STEM projects, and ample areas for sport and games. A vibrant programme of sporting activities, Gaelic games, literacy and numeracy initiatives, and creative projects ensures that students can explore and pursue their passions across many contexts, reinforcing the school’s commitment to holistic development.

History

Construction of the school began in September 1965 at a contract price of £57,200, and the first class taught in the new building was a 4th‑class cohort. The school occupies 2.59 acres of land. The inaugural principal, Tadhg O Ceallaigh, assumed leadership in 1940 and served until his death in 1970, establishing a reputation for academic excellence and strong Gaelic games participation. Following him, Gearóid O Tiarnaigh became principal in 1970, continuing the tradition of sporting success and cultural enrichment until his retirement in 1993. Over the decades the school has maintained a strong focus on Irish language, cultural heritage and community involvement, with notable achievements in hurling, football and other Gaelic games.

Applying to Scoil Padraig Naofa B

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 Padraig Naofa B. 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 Padraig Naofa B

How many pupils attend Scoil Padraig Naofa B?

Scoil Padraig Naofa B has 197 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.

Is Scoil Padraig Naofa B a DEIS school?

Yes. Scoil Padraig Naofa B 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 Padraig Naofa B?

Scoil Padraig Naofa B has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' primary school.