St Mary's National School
Limerick
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 152 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 71 girls, 81 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20405O the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St Mary’s National School is a Roman Catholic primary school situated in the historic heart of Limerick, on the doorstep of King John’s Castle and alongside the River Shannon. Recognised as a national school under the patronage of the local bishop, it provides a warm, caring and safe environment where pupils are encouraged to take ownership of their learning. The school’s ethos, inspired by the Sisters of Mercy, promotes the full and harmonious development of each child – intellectually, physically, culturally, morally and spiritually – and integrates a vibrant programme of extra‑curricular activities, including sport, the arts and a student council. The teaching staff are highly qualified and dedicated to maintaining high expectations, while the school’s facilities support a broad curriculum and active learning. Strong parental partnership is a cornerstone of the community, with parents represented on the Board of Management and welcomed onto the school grounds. St Mary’s is also recognised as Limerick’s first School of Sanctuary, reflecting its inclusive ethos and commitment to supporting all members of the community.
History
St Mary’s National School traces its roots back to the late 1800s when the original St Mary’s Infant Boys’ School was established, serving the parish and surrounding area for over a century. The present school opened on 1 September 2012 following the amalgamation of St Mary’s Girls National School and St Mary’s Boys National School. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, the school continues the long‑standing tradition of providing quality Catholic education in Limerick.
Applying to St Mary's National School
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 St Mary's National School. 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 St Mary's National School
How many pupils attend St Mary's National School?
St Mary's National School has 152 pupils enrolled, 71 girls and 81 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Mary's National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Mary's National School 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 St Mary's National School?
St Mary's National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.