St Brigids Boys National School
Killester, Dublin
Key facts
- Boys
- Pupils enrolled
- 287 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19308J the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
St. Brigid’s Boys National School, situated on Howth Road in Killester, Dublin 5, provides a welcoming, secure and caring environment for boys from Junior Infants to 6th Class. The school’s ethos centres on nurturing each pupil’s full potential, with a broad curriculum that encourages active engagement and the development of individual talents. Teachers and parents work together as partners in education, ensuring that wellbeing and academic progress are at the heart of daily life. Beyond the core curriculum, the school offers a rich programme of extracurricular activities. Initiatives such as the Amber Flag, Curious Minds, Junior Achievement Ireland, Science Blast and Creative Schools complement the strong sporting tradition that has produced numerous Gaelic football, hurling, swimming and athletics successes since the school’s founding. After‑school clubs include tin‑whistle, guitar, chess, Irish language classes and a general after‑school club, all supported by an active Parents’ Association. Facilities have been expanded with a three‑classroom extension opened in 2010, providing modern learning spaces within the original 1974 building.
History
St. Brigid’s Boys National School was built in 1974 on the former Guinness Estate, opposite St. Brigid’s church on Howth Road. The site, originally known as the basketball courts, gave rise to the local Killester Basketball Club and inspired the school’s orange and black colours. An earlier infant boys’ school opened in 1969 to meet local demand, adopting the motto *Amor Vincit Omnia* (love conquers all). The new purpose‑built school opened in September 1974 and has since evolved from an infant school to a full primary school. A three‑classroom extension was officially opened on 23 April 2010. The school has maintained a strong sporting tradition from its first Gaelic football trophy in 1974 to the present, and it benefits from a vibrant Parents’ Association and a range of after‑school activities.
Applying to St Brigids Boys 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 Brigids Boys 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 Brigids Boys National School
How many pupils attend St Brigids Boys National School?
St Brigids Boys National School has 287 pupils enrolled. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is St Brigids Boys National School a DEIS school?
No. St Brigids Boys National School 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 St Brigids Boys National School?
St Brigids Boys National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a boys' primary school.