Doon Convent National School
School Details
Location
About
Doon Convent National School is a Catholic primary school situated in the historic village of Doon, County Limerick. Set within the former grounds of the Convent of Mercy, the school benefits from a scenic location with views of the Slieve Felim and Galtee mountain ranges. It provides mixed‑gender education for Infants and 1st class, while girls only attend from 2nd to 6th class. The pupil roll is roughly 130, supported by a team of five mainstream teachers, two special‑educational‑needs (SEN) teachers and two dedicated autism spectrum disorder (ASD) classes. The school’s facilities are designed to give each class its own outdoor play space: two areas at the front for 3rd‑6th class and three areas at the rear for Infants to 2nd class. A poly‑tunnel and garden provide hands‑on learning opportunities, and the proximity to the local GAA field encourages sport and community involvement. The ethos is rooted in the Catholic tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, yet the school welcomes children of all denominations and promotes a transparent partnership among pupils, parents, the Parents’ Council, teachers and the Board of Management. Emphasis is placed on the holistic development of each child, balancing academic rigour with a broad range of extra‑curricular activities and tailored support for pupils with additional needs.
History
The Sisters of Mercy first established a presence in Doon in 1868, building a convent that housed both a boarding secondary school and a primary school, at one point accommodating around 70 nuns. The present primary school was constructed in 1976 on the site of a former orchard, continuing the Mercy tradition of providing education to the local community. Since its opening, the school has remained a central educational institution in the East Limerick village.