Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal
Carlow
Key facts
- DEIS
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 345 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18363M the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Mhuire gan Smál is a co‑educational primary school situated on Green Lane in Carlow (R93 FP57). Rooted in the Presentation Sisters’ tradition, the school delivers a Catholic‑based education that celebrates Irish heritage while fostering a welcoming, inclusive community. The ethos emphasises the development of each child’s talents and self‑confidence through a balanced curriculum complemented by a wide range of extra‑curricular activities, such as coding, music, and sport. The school’s learning environment is designed to be safe and supportive, with clear policies on child safeguarding, anti‑bullying, and the responsible use of mobile phones and smart devices. Facilities include dedicated classroom spaces, a library, and areas for creative and physical play, all aimed at encouraging curiosity and social interaction. Regular campus tours allow prospective families to experience the school’s vibrant atmosphere and see first‑hand how the values of respect, cooperation and environmental awareness are woven into daily life.
History
The origins of Scoil Mhuire gan Smál trace back to January 1811 when three Presentation Sisters arrived in Carlow to begin primary teaching. Initially operating from a modest cellar on Tullow Street, the school rapidly expanded, opening a free school for 130 pupils on College Street in 1819 and accommodating 300 pupils by 1824. Additional classrooms were added in 1837, and a new building was erected on Tullow Street in 1899. The present Scoil Mhuire gan Smál replaced that structure, continuing the Presentation Sisters’ commitment to primary education and preserving their ethos within the modern school community.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal
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 Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal. 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 Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal?
Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal has 345 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal?
Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smal has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' primary school.