Garrydoolis National School
School Details
Location
About
Garrydoolis National School is a co‑educational Catholic primary school situated on the Limerick‑Tipperary border, serving the parishes of Nicker and Templebraden. The school’s mission is to provide a well‑ordered, caring and secure environment where the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural needs of pupils are nurtured. With a current enrolment of 29 pupils (2025/26), the school maintains a small‑class atmosphere that encourages close‑knit community ties and personalised learning. Recent investment has transformed the campus. A new indoor toilet block, modern office, extended corridor and dedicated car‑drop area improve day‑to‑day functionality, while a fully refurbished indoor space features new marmoleum flooring, upgraded heating, an alarm system and fresh interior and exterior paint. The outdoor provision includes a large rear field for games and athletics, a modernised play yard, and a diverse planting scheme of ash, birch, alder and other native trees, enhancing the natural environment. The school’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its second Green Flag (2009) and Active Flag (2015) awards. The school’s ethos is encapsulated in its motto, “Working Together / Ag obair le chéile”, promoting collaboration among pupils, families and the wider community. A vibrant programme of events – from Garda and fire service visits to sports and cultural activities – reinforces a holistic education that balances academic rigour with social and moral development.
History
Garrydoolis National School has been in existence for over 130 years. In 1989 it operated as a one‑teacher school and returned to a two‑teacher model in 1998. Significant building upgrades have been funded by the Department of Education and Science, including a new roof, indoor toilet block, office, corridor, car‑drop area, modernised yard, alarm system, central heating, new flooring and extensive painting. The Minister for Defence, Willie O’Dea, officially opened a school extension on 5 June 2005. Further improvements such as the demolition of the old coal shed and expansion of the play area were achieved through the CLÁR grant. Ongoing enhancements have been supported by a mix of government grants and parental fundraising.