CARITAS CHRISTI URGET NOS ·
THE CHARITY OF CHRIST URGES US ON
📞 091-796191 ✉️ info@clarinbridgeschool.ie
Scoil Mhuire
Clarinbridge, Co. Galway
Stair na Scoile
Almost two centuries of learning in Clarinbridge - from the Patrician Brothers and the Sisters of Charity to the modern, inclusive school of today.
The Story of Scoil Mhuire
Amlíne
A timeline of our school
Each chapter of our history still shapes daily life in Scoil Mhuire.
Scoil Mhuire now
A vibrant, co-educational and inclusive primary school caring for over 250 pupils, with modern facilities, extensive outdoor play areas, a strong sporting tradition and a deep commitment to music, the arts and innovative learning.
Today
The return of the Oyster Farm
Oysters have been synonymous with Clarinbridge for centuries. In 2025 the school relaunched its Oyster Farm project with local experts and the Clarinbridge Oyster Co-Op. Pupils from all classes take part in workshops and harvesting in Cave, and a commemorative oyster display bearing the motto 'Live, Survive, Thrive' now stands outside the school hall.
2025
Official opening of the new school extensions
On 20th January 2023 Minister for Education Norma Foley officially opened Scoil Mhuire's newest extensions. Pupils showcased Lego Robotics, Junior Entrepreneur and local history projects before the Minister cut the ribbon at the school entrance.
2023
A time of change
Major building works completed in 2015 and further extensions in 2018 gave the school modern classrooms, learning support rooms, a large sports hall, AstroTurf facilities, recreational spaces and extensive playing pitches.
2015 - 2018
Farewell to the Sisters of Charity
On 18th January 2018 the final three Religious Sisters of Charity left Clarinbridge, closing 174 years of service to education in the parish. Scoil Mhuire became a Galway Diocesan school while continuing to uphold the values and traditions the Sisters established.
2018
2004
A new uniform and crest
In September 2004 Scoil Mhuire adopted its current navy uniform and the crest we know today, bringing together the Sisters of Charity crest, the village bridge, th eoysters of Clarinbridge and the hurls and sliotar of the parish.
2004
Oyster farming and sporting success
2002 - 2007
Principal Seán Holian worked with Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Clarinbridge Oyster Co-Op to establish an oyster farm at Cave. The same years brought back-to--back Galway County Football Championships (2004 and 2005), County Camogie and Football Championships in 2007, and the Ribena All Ireland Soccer Title.
School amalgamation
1991
The Boys' National School amalgamated with Scoil Mhuire in 1991. Mr. Seán O'Connell transferred to the school and Sister Beatrice O'Brien became principal of the newly amalgamated school - the beginning of the educational school we know today.
Growth and development
1959-1986
A new primary school building opened in 1959 through local fundraising and Department of Education support. A play school was established in 1982, a major extension in 1984 added a classroom, school hall, library, staff room
Joining the National School System
1881-1957
The Convent Schools entered the National School System in 1881. Inspectors praised the quality of teaching and by 1886 enrolment had reached 120 pupils, with french, cookery, sewing and needlework on the timetable. Central heating arrived in 1935 and the school's centenary was celebrated in 1944.
Arrival of the Sisters of Charity
Three Sisters of Charity arrived in Clarinbridge from Dublin in July 1844 at the invitation of Mrs. Eliza Redington. They established a convent and school for local girls and quickly became an integral part of parish life, shaping education in Clarinbridge for the next 174 years. Through the Famine years they provided assistance to families affected by hunger, disease and emigration.
1844
Early education in Clarinbridge
1823-1889
The Patrician Brothers arrived in 1823 and taught local boys until 1838. The Christian brothers continued that work from 1840 to 1889. The Redington family funded school buildings, provided land for the convent and supported teachers and pupils - without their vision Scoil Mhuire could not have been founded.