Our garden is approximately 2 acres in size and to the teachers and children, it is fondly known as the classroom without walls.

In 1990 the idea for this wonderful space was the brainchild of a school parent, Gabrielle O’Herlihy. Embraced by the principal of the time, Gabrielle ventured into the 2 acre rubbled waste at the back of the school with a handful of willing parents, a never ceasing vision, determination and enthusiasm and over the next 25 years, nurtured the space to become the most amazing wilderness garden for the children. Gaining celebrity status on RTÉ several times, the garden has yielded Bronze Age artefacts and biodiversity recognition nationwide. The school has also attained 6 Green School Flags showing our commitment to the planet we live on.

The garden is really a biodiversity science project and with the support of the teachers as much of the curriculum as is possible is taught through the garden. The garden is teeming with wildlife. It contains hedgerow, trees of different varieties, herbs, raised beds and an orchard. Among the growth, it has a pond and a bird hide. After 25 years of running the garden Gabrielle retired but she left the garden in the most capable hands of another wonderful woman, Fiona Fullam. Fiona volunteered in the garden while her two daughters attended the school. A teacher herself with a passion for horticulture, Gabrielle could not have placed the garden in better hands. Through Fiona’s love of teaching and knowledge of the garden, the children’s learning there is supported by the school teachers, the teachers are supported by the Garden & Green School Committee and the Garden Committee’s support comes solely from parents.

Some photos from the early days of the garden…

Spring photos of the garden

The Garden Committee are an amazing group of parents who come and weather permitting, work their magic. Meeting every Wednesday during term only, some come every week and others whenever they have a spare Wednesday and others row in for the build up to Garden Day. When you visit the garden, it is amazing to see how much work these few volunteers actually get done over the school year.

If you have an interest in assisting with the Garden Committee in whatever capacity, please contact the school.

Garden Day is one of the main highlights of the year at St. Brigid’s. It occurs during June when the garden and weather are looking their best. Parents, grandparents and guests are invited to walk around our garden and look at various projects prepared by the 6th classes.

The 6th class girls prepare for this day during their last term in school. The school holds a private Garden Day for all its students from Junior Infants to 5th class annually the day before the parents get to come. When the girls enter 6th class, it is seen as an honour, and a rite of passage, to present the garden to the younger classes and outside visitors. They do so with pride as they prepare to leave St. Brigid’s. It is amazing to hear them speak with such confidence and knowledge about their garden and its inhabitants.

On Garden Day, crafts made by your daughters can be purchased. Good quality plants from the plant stall and other stalls of interest are also on offer. There are fresh strawberries and cream to be had with coffee, tea and cakes are on sale too. Some years we even get to sell homemade jams from the fruits harvested from the garden. You can purchase tickets for the raffle with the hope of winning a wonderful prize. The garden tours are free and the school choir and orchestra also delight with music recitals and songs in the school hall.

All the money raised on this day is used to support the running of the garden but most importantly, the girls get to showcase one of the things they love most about their school.

It’s a great way to see what the garden is all about and why the children are so proud of it!