Ballycar National School
Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 34 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 19 girls, 15 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18526O the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ballycar National School is a small, rural primary school that welcomes children from a vibrant preschool through to the upper primary years. The school operates two mainstream classrooms, a Special Education Teaching (SET) classroom and a dedicated Autism class, all designed to provide an inclusive learning environment. Purpose‑built spaces such as a sensory room and a GP (group and individual work) room support a range of learning needs, while the outdoor area offers a safe playground, a wall‑ball zone and an all‑weather astro‑turf for active play and sport. The school’s educational philosophy centres on engaging, joyful and inclusive learning. It aims to nurture curiosity, kindness and confidence, encouraging each child to reach their full potential. A strong Catholic ethos underpins daily life, with regular prayer, religious programmes and respect for all faiths, while the community works closely with parents and local organisations to create a caring, supportive school family.
History
Ballycar National School has a long‑standing presence in the Ballycar area, with documented milestones dating back to at least 1914. Over the decades the school has expanded its facilities, adding a cherry‑blossom tree and various classroom extensions. Notable recent developments include the opening of a dedicated Autism class and the installation of an all‑weather astro‑turf, reflecting the school’s commitment to modern, inclusive education. Visits from national figures and trips to Áras an Uachtaráin highlight the school’s active engagement with the wider community.
Applying to Ballycar 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 Ballycar 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 Ballycar National School
How many pupils attend Ballycar National School?
Ballycar National School has 34 pupils enrolled, 19 girls and 15 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Ballycar National School a DEIS school?
No. Ballycar 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 Ballycar National School?
Ballycar National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.