Scoil Phoil Naofa
Dooradoyle, Limerick
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 573 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 281 girls, 292 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19336O the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Phoil Naofa (St Paul’s National School) is a vibrant primary school situated in the Dooradoyle parish of Limerick. As a Catholic community school it blends a strong spiritual ethos with a modern, child‑centred curriculum that seeks to develop academic ability, personal wellbeing and social responsibility. The school’s mission statement highlights the importance of nurturing curiosity, fostering a love of learning and encouraging pupils to become confident, compassionate members of society. A broad range of subjects is offered, including a dedicated STEM programme that incorporates science, technology, engineering and maths, as well as a Gaelic language strand to promote Irish cultural heritage. The school benefits from active partnerships with local organisations such as Dooradoyle Library, credit unions and community groups, providing enriching extracurricular experiences. Recent initiatives include LEGO robotics workshops, music performances with the Cross‑Border Orchestra of Ireland, and charitable projects like the Little Princess Trust hair‑donation campaign. Facilities support a healthy lifestyle through programmes like “Healthy Heroes” and a Green School commitment, while the Parent Association and Student Council encourage pupil voice and parental involvement. Together these elements create a supportive, forward‑looking environment that prepares children for lifelong learning and active citizenship.
Applying to Scoil Phoil 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 Phoil 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 Phoil Naofa
How many pupils attend Scoil Phoil Naofa?
Scoil Phoil Naofa has 573 pupils enrolled, 281 girls and 292 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Phoil Naofa a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Phoil Naofa 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 Phoil Naofa?
Scoil Phoil Naofa has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.