A number of schools in Carlow are closed today after they received threats.

Just after 8 o'clock on Wednesday morning, a number of schools began contacting parents to say they would not be opening due to threatening messages they had received.

Parents in affected schools were informed  threatening emails had been received, with some taking the decision not to open today.

Gardaí are on site at some of the schools involved, with Armed Support Units arriving at primary schools who had received the emails.

27/05/2026 Garda Armed Support Unit at a primary school in Carlow. A number of schools closed on Wednesday after threatening emails were received. Photo: Dayna Kearney/Bauer Media

Fergal Browne, Principal of St Joseph's Boys School in Carlow, is among those who received the threatening messages.

 "There seemed to be two separate emails and said there was eight or nine schools mentioned in each of the emails. 

"It seems to be a generic email going around. 

"We've been liaising with the Gardaí all morning, and they're meeting schools individually and advising them. 

"Some schools have opted to close for their own reasons, and the rest of us have stayed open, but obviously we are being vigilant".