Scoil Náisiúnta Muire Lourdes
Tullow, Carlow
Key facts
- DEIS
- Girls
- Pupils enrolled
- 195 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 13507I the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Mhuire Lourdes is a full‑stream, all‑girls Catholic primary school in Tullow, County Carlow, with approximately 260 pupils enrolled. The school delivers a broad, balanced curriculum that includes English, Gaeilge, Mathematics, Social, Environmental & Scientific Education (covering Science, History and Geography), Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Physical Education and a dedicated Religious Education programme aligned with the diocesan framework. Daily prayers and the celebration of key liturgical feasts such as Christmas, St Brigid’s Day and Easter are integral to school life, supporting the spiritual development of each child. The school operates on a structured timetable, with Junior and Senior Infants attending from 9.00 am to 1.40 pm and 1st‑6th classes from 9.00 am to 2.40 pm, and doors opening at 8.50 am. Uniforms consist of a bottle‑green pinafore, jumper or cardigan, navy PE tracksuit with the school crest and appropriate footwear, promoting a cohesive community identity. Facilities include well‑equipped classrooms, a recreational cottage used for domestic economy and life‑skills teaching, and a historic Lourdes Grotto on the grounds, reflecting the school’s heritage. A single entrance on Mill Street ensures secure access, and the convent grounds remain distinct from the school environment, respecting the privacy of the Brigidine Sisters. Parental involvement is actively encouraged through regular Parent‑Teacher Meetings, information evenings for junior infants, and coordinated preparation for sacraments such as First Communion and Confirmation. The school’s ethos emphasises safety, wellbeing and inclusive education, underpinned by a range of policies covering child protection, behaviour management, health, and digital use.
History
Scoil Mhuire Lourdes traces its origins to the post‑Penal Law era of the early 19th century when Rev Daniel Delany established Sunday schools in Tullow, later evolving into formal education for adults and children. In February 1807 the Brigidine Order was founded locally, and the sisters opened the first daily school, initially using the parish church while awaiting purpose‑built rooms. The first convent school‑house was erected in 1826, serving the town’s youth for four decades. Bishop James Lynch purchased five acres of the Doyne estate in 1883; construction of the granite National School began in 1887 and was completed within a year. Subsequent enhancements included a verandah (1909), a recreational cottage for domestic economy (1932), and the Lourdes Grotto (blessed 24 May 1941). On 11 November 1956 the modernised school was opened and blessed, receiving the name “Scoil Mhuire Lourdes”. A centenary celebration in June 1988 marked a hundred years of service, and a major fundraising campaign in 2003‑2004 funded further improvements to both the boys’ and girls’ schools.
Applying to Scoil Náisiúnta Muire Lourdes
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 Lourdes. 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 Lourdes
How many pupils attend Scoil Náisiúnta Muire Lourdes?
Scoil Náisiúnta Muire Lourdes has 195 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Náisiúnta Muire Lourdes a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Náisiúnta Muire Lourdes 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 Lourdes?
Scoil Náisiúnta Muire Lourdes has a Catholic ethos. It is a girls' primary school.