Scoil Naomh Brid
Lifford, Donegal
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 196 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 100 girls, 96 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19280N the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
Scoil Naomh Bríd is a mainstream Catholic primary school located in the village of Muff, County Donegal, operating under the patronage of the Derry Diocese. The school delivers a holistic curriculum that nurtures pupils physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually. It is inclusive, welcoming children of all religious backgrounds and catering for a wide range of abilities and needs, with a strong emphasis on early intervention and personalised support. Teaching and learning are prioritised, with a focus on developing confidence in Gaeilge, mathematics, and English through interactive, problem‑solving and language‑rich activities. The school benefits from a range of modern facilities that have been expanded over five decades, including multiple classrooms, a re‑configured office, a polytunnel for outdoor learning, upgraded interactive whiteboards, new bathrooms, and recent sustainability initiatives such as solar panels and a bike shelter. Extra‑curricular provision is extensive, encompassing sports, music, choir, art, and community‑linked projects, reinforced by active involvement from a dedicated Parents’ Association, Board of Management and local sporting clubs. The school’s ethos, encapsulated in the motto “All Are Equal”, underpins its commitment to an inclusive, supportive environment where every child can thrive.
History
Scoil Naomh Bríd opened its doors in September 1971 with four teachers and 125 pupils, following the amalgamation of smaller local schools in the Ishakeen Parish. The site was identified in 1970 and the first principal, Mr Tommy Byrne, transferred from Carnamoyle NS. Over the years the school has expanded significantly: a five‑classroom extension and basketball court were added in 1985; new electrics (2008) and a heating system (2014) were installed; a new classroom (2015) and a polytunnel (2016) were built; the yard was resurfaced and the office re‑configured in 2018; double‑glazed windows and external doors were fitted in 2019; and in 2021 new perimeter fencing, upgraded bathrooms and interactive whiteboards were introduced. Recent enhancements include solar panels (2022/23), a bike shelter (2023) and various art installations, reflecting the school’s ongoing commitment to improving its learning environment. The school celebrated its 50th anniversary during the 2021/2022 academic year with a commemorative booklet.
Applying to Scoil Naomh Brid
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 Naomh Brid. 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 Naomh Brid
How many pupils attend Scoil Naomh Brid?
Scoil Naomh Brid has 196 pupils enrolled, 100 girls and 96 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Naomh Brid a DEIS school?
No. Scoil Naomh Brid 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 Scoil Naomh Brid?
Scoil Naomh Brid has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.