Ardscoil Rís was formally opened in Limerick on the North Circular Road on September First, 1963, when it welcomed 52 pupils. Classes were held in an old coach house until the first purpose-built classrooms were available. This first intake included Pat Cox, then a noted debater, later a distinguished academic, journalist and finally President of the European Parliment.

From its foundation the school was managed by one of the brothers who held the post of Principal. In 1989, a Board of Management, representing trustees, staff and parents, was put in place and a lay Principal was appointed. From small beginnings, the school, augmented by periodic extensions, grew to its present size and now has over 700 students and forty-seven teachers.

The late twentieth century witnessed the contraction of religious orders world-wide. Ardscoil Rís is now staffed entirely by lay teachers. The Brothers maintain ownership and Trusteeship of the school and are represented on the Board of Management by four trustee nominees.