ST MARYS NS
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.