Ballynacally National School
Ennis, Clare
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 52 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 26 girls, 26 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 18639E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Ballynacally National School is a co‑educational Catholic primary school situated in the picturesque village of Ballynacally, a fifteen‑minute drive from Ennis on the scenic Shannon Estuary Way. Under the patronage of the Bishop of Killaloe, the school follows a progressive, child‑centred curriculum that seeks to develop each pupil academically, personally and spiritually. The school’s motto, *Fás agus Foghlaim* (“Growth and Learning”), reflects its commitment to fostering a love of learning through innovative teaching methods, play‑based activities and a supportive, friendly atmosphere where children feel safe and motivated. The school offers a broad range of extra‑curricular provision, including dedicated music, sport and creativity programmes, as well as an Early Intervention and ASD class that welcomes children with autism. A vibrant Parents’ Association and a well‑established before‑ and after‑school club provide additional support for families, enhancing the community spirit of the school. Facilities are designed to encourage active participation and exploration, with spaces for sports, music, and collaborative learning, ensuring that pupils can develop a wide range of skills and interests.
Applying to Ballynacally 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 Ballynacally 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 Ballynacally National School
How many pupils attend Ballynacally National School?
Ballynacally National School has 52 pupils enrolled, 26 girls and 26 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Ballynacally National School a DEIS school?
No. Ballynacally 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 Ballynacally National School?
Ballynacally National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.