St Oliver Plunketts National School
Athenry, Galway
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 199 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 98 girls, 101 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19449E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Oliver Plunkett National School is a vibrant primary school located about four miles east of Athenry in the historic townland of Temple Moyle. The school serves a roll of roughly 200 children and provides a progressive, child‑centred learning environment that prioritises high‑quality literacy, numeracy and ICT experiences. Classrooms are equipped with the latest interactive whiteboards and smart panels, and two sets of iPads are used to enhance pupil learning across the curriculum. The school places a strong emphasis on holistic development. A rich sporting tradition sees pupils regularly engaged in GAA, athletics, swimming and other activities, while music is integral, with a school choir and instrumental programmes that include tongue drums for infants and ukuleles for older children. Extensive outdoor facilities feature an astro‑turf pitch, a soft‑pour play area, and a series of themed gardens – vegetable, sensory and fairy – providing diverse spaces for play and experiential learning. Commitment to environmental stewardship and digital excellence is demonstrated through multiple recognitions, including the Active Flag, eight Green Schools flags and the Digital Schools of Distinction award. These accolades reflect the school’s dedication to fostering a safe, inclusive and forward‑thinking community where every child can thrive.
History
St. Oliver Plunkett National School officially opened on 5 May 1856, a date recorded in the school’s original roll book. The early years are shrouded in mystery, with only the roll‑book entry preserving details of the inaugural day. The school’s patron saint, St Oliver Plunkett, was born on 1 November 1625 in Loughcrew, Co Meath, and after a life of study, exile and martyrdom, culminating in his execution on 1 July 1681, was canonised on 12 October 1975. His feast day is celebrated on 11 July. The school continues to honour his legacy of learning, resilience and spiritual dedication.
Applying to St Oliver Plunketts 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
View St Oliver Plunketts National School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to St Oliver Plunketts National School. 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 St Oliver Plunketts National School
How many pupils attend St Oliver Plunketts National School?
St Oliver Plunketts National School has 199 pupils enrolled, 98 girls and 101 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Oliver Plunketts National School a DEIS school?
No. St Oliver Plunketts National School 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 St Oliver Plunketts National School?
St Oliver Plunketts National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.