Gaelscoil Bhride
Durlas, Tipperary
Key facts
- Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 194 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 103 girls, 91 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- All subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19968F the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Gaelscoil Bhríde is a vibrant Irish‑medium primary school situated in the shadow of the iconic Semple Stadium. As a mixed‑language school, Irish is the language of instruction and the cultural heart of the curriculum, fostering bilingualism and a deep appreciation of Irish heritage. The school’s ethos centres on high standards of basic learning and behaviour, creating a positive, caring atmosphere where every child’s potential is nurtured. A strong emphasis is placed on personalised support, ensuring that the needs of each pupil are met and that they are encouraged to respect one another. The school operates from a modern, purpose‑built facility on Bohernanave, set among horse‑chestnut and beech trees, providing spacious classrooms and specialist areas for a range of activities. A broad extra‑curricular programme enriches the learning experience, including enterprise projects, sports, equestrian competitions and community events such as open days and cultural celebrations. These opportunities aim to develop confidence, teamwork and creativity, preparing pupils for lifelong learning within a supportive, bilingual environment.
History
Gaelscoil Bhríde was founded in 1990 by a group of dedicated parents seeking an alternative, Irish‑language education for their children. The school opened its doors in September 1990 in a modest house on Slievenamon Road, Thurles, and received official recognition from the Department of Education the following year, prompting a move to Abbey Road where it grew beneath horse‑chestnut and beech trees. In 2008 the school transitioned to a new, modern building on Bohernanave, located under the shadow of the majestic Semple Stadium. From these humble beginnings, the school has expanded steadily, continuing its mission to provide primary education “trí Ghaeilge”.
Applying to Gaelscoil Bhride
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 Gaelscoil Bhride. 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 Gaelscoil Bhride
How many pupils attend Gaelscoil Bhride?
Gaelscoil Bhride has 194 pupils enrolled, 103 girls and 91 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Gaelscoil Bhride a DEIS school?
No. Gaelscoil Bhride 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.
Does Gaelscoil Bhride teach through Irish?
Yes. Gaelscoil Bhride teaches all subjects through Irish.