Bridgetown National School
O'Brien's Bridge, Clare
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 107 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 53 girls, 54 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18467B the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Bridgetown National School is a co‑educational Catholic primary school serving the communities of Bridge, Bridgetown, Montpelier and the surrounding rural area. With an enrolment of around one hundred pupils from junior infants to sixth class, the school positions itself as a caring institution that promotes the total development of each child. The ethos is firmly rooted in Christian Catholic values, integrating religious instruction, regular prayer, school masses and the preparation for the sacraments of Confession, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. A strong emphasis is placed on mutual respect, inclusivity and the partnership between home and school, encouraging pupils to appreciate diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. The school’s facilities have developed over time, now comprising a modern building with multiple classrooms, cloakrooms, offices and a dedicated school garden. Recent initiatives include a Biodiversity Action Plan aimed at achieving the Green Schools flag, a newly elected Green Schools Committee, and community‑led projects such as the summer garden and fundraising cycles for an astro‑turf pitch. These programmes reflect the school’s commitment to environmental stewardship and active community involvement alongside a broad, balanced curriculum.
History
Approximately 150 years ago two hedge schools operated in the townland of Fahey. The original school, once a church on O’Brien’s Bridge road, became the site of Bridgetown Boys’ and Girls’ National Schools, officially recognised on 4 July 1850. James McGrath founded an Ordinary Agricultural School in 1852, one of three in Clare, providing practical farm work and theoretical instruction until it reverted to a standard boys’ school in 1874. The boys’ and girls’ schools amalgamated in 1935, continuing in the two‑storey building until a new school was erected in 1960. Extensions were added in 1985, 2011 and 2014, bringing the current enrolment to about 110 pupils.
Applying to Bridgetown 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
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Bridgetown National School. Individual schools set their own discretionary closure days, confirm exact dates with the school.
- 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 Bridgetown National School
How many pupils attend Bridgetown National School?
Bridgetown National School has 107 pupils enrolled, 53 girls and 54 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Bridgetown National School a DEIS school?
No. Bridgetown 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 Bridgetown National School?
Bridgetown National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.