St Marys National School
Dungarvan, Waterford
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 237 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 180 girls, 57 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19953P the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Mary’s Primary School in Dungarvan is a co‑educational, child‑centred primary school that offers a warm, supportive environment where every pupil is encouraged to reach their full potential. The school places a strong emphasis on holistic development, combining a high standard of academic instruction with a broad programme of life‑skills activities such as cooking, knitting, sewing, tapestry and other creative crafts. Recent digital initiatives, funded by a 2021 grant, have equipped the school with iPads and online resources to bridge the digital divide and enhance learning for pupils at risk of educational disadvantage. The campus blends historic and modern facilities. Recent additions include an ASD pre‑school unit, a new administration block and a refreshed main entrance (opened 2015). Older buildings house a Montessori‑style pre‑school room, infant classrooms, and a dedicated space for Aistear activities. Outdoor amenities feature a basketball court/playground and ample green‑flag‑certified spaces that support the school’s active sports programme and environmental ethos. The school also maintains strong partnerships with parents, the Board of Management and the wider community, fostering a collaborative spirit that underpins its educational approach.
History
St. Mary’s Primary School was established in 1990 through the amalgamation of the Mercy and Presentation primary schools in Dungarvan, both of which trace their origins to the 18th and 19th centuries. The Presentation Convent was founded in 1809 by four local women and later moved to a purpose‑built school in 1880, while the Mercy Convent began in 1859. Over the decades the school expanded with new classrooms (1880, 1885, 1902, 1932, 1959, 1982) and facilities such as a Montessori pre‑school and infant rooms. A new entrance on Youghal Road opened in 1997, and in 2015 the campus was further enhanced with an ASD pre‑school unit, a new administration block and updated entrance, reflecting the school’s ongoing commitment to modern, inclusive education.
Applying to St Marys 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 Marys 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 Marys National School
How many pupils attend St Marys National School?
St Marys National School has 237 pupils enrolled, 180 girls and 57 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Marys National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Marys 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 Marys National School?
St Marys National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.