Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smál
Lifford, Donegal
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 124 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 58 girls, 66 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18076J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Náisiunta Muire Gan Smál is a DEIS Band 1 co‑educational Catholic primary school located in the town of Lifford, County Donegal. The school caters for 102 pupils and offers a balanced curriculum supported by a team of six mainstream class teachers, three full‑time Special Education Teachers, a shared Home‑School Community Liaison co‑ordinator and four Special Needs Assistants. This staffing structure underpins a strong inclusive ethos, ensuring that children with a range of learning needs receive targeted support while remaining fully integrated within the wider classroom community. The school’s educational approach centres on creating a well‑structured, caring environment where every child is regarded as a valued member of a vibrant learning community. Emphasis is placed on academic rigour combined with a joyful, play‑based element to learning, reflected in initiatives such as the ADHD‑Friendly School programme and regular community‑building activities. Facilities are designed to accommodate both mainstream and specialised teaching, providing spaces that promote active engagement, creativity and social development. Strong links with families and the local community are fostered through the Home‑School Community Liaison, parent association and a range of extracurricular events. The school aims to nurture confident, compassionate learners who are prepared for the next stage of their education while enjoying a supportive, fun‑filled primary experience.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smál
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 Smál. 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 Smál
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smál?
Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smál has 124 pupils enrolled, 58 girls and 66 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smál a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smál 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 Smál?
Scoil Náisiúnta Muire gan Smál has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.