St Brendans National School
Portumna, Galway
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 235 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 127 girls, 108 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19996K the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
About
St. Brendan’s National School, Portumna, is a Catholic, co‑educational primary school serving the Portumna community in County Galway. With an enrolment of around 240 pupils across junior infants to sixth class and a dedicated Special Class, the school fosters a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to develop their talents, confidence and caring attitudes. The curriculum is underpinned by a Catholic ethos that values respect, self‑esteem and a love of learning, while the school’s commitment to academic excellence is supported by a range of extra‑curricular activities, including camogie, hurling and football teams. The school benefits from modern facilities, including a recently extended building with two new classrooms, a sports hall and specialised SEN rooms added in 2019. High‑speed broadband, provided through the Department of Education’s School Broadband Programme, enhances digital learning opportunities. A team of teachers, special‑needs assistants and support staff work together to provide an inclusive, safe and happy atmosphere, ensuring that every pupil can reach their full potential.
History
Portumna’s first national school opened in 1841, initially taught by Thomas Cleary and his family. The Sisters of Mercy began teaching in the old convent in 1884, and a new Convent National School opened on 15 May 1893. The present institution traces its roots to St Joseph’s Girls NS and St Brendan’s Boys NS, which amalgamated in 1994 and moved into a new purpose‑built building in 1995. Subsequent extensions have added classrooms, a sports hall and dedicated SEN facilities, reflecting the school’s ongoing development and commitment to serving the local community.
Applying to St Brendans National School
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 St Brendans National School. 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 St Brendans National School
How many pupils attend St Brendans National School?
St Brendans National School has 235 pupils enrolled, 127 girls and 108 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Brendans National School a DEIS school?
Yes. St Brendans National School 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 St Brendans National School?
St Brendans National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.