Barefield National School
Ennis, Clare
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 390 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 214 girls, 176 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 14830U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Barefield National School provides a supportive, positive and enjoyable learning environment for children from Junior Infants to Sixth class. The school follows a broad, comprehensive curriculum that recognises individual needs and talents, promoting holistic development through a blend of academic instruction, creative arts, sport and cultural activities. Emphasis is placed on inclusive values, respect for diversity and the cultivation of a caring community that upholds Christian principles. The campus boasts extensive facilities, including sixteen mainstream classrooms equipped with flat‑panel interactive boards, a dedicated special class and multi‑sensory room for children with autism, and six support teaching rooms. Outdoor amenities feature an astroturf pitch, a two‑lane running track, a basketball court, a ball‑wall with astroturf area, two playing fields for Gaelic games and soccer, and a well‑resourced playground with a slide, climbing structures and a large play centre. Additional services such as hot lunches, after‑school programmes (yoga, music, language, drama and sports) and on‑site childcare further enhance the school’s role as a vibrant community hub.
History
Barefield National School was established in 1895 and has since evolved into a progressive centre of innovation and excellence in teaching and learning, maintaining a long‑standing commitment to providing quality education within the local community.
Applying to Barefield 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 Barefield 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 Barefield National School
How many pupils attend Barefield National School?
Barefield National School has 390 pupils enrolled, 214 girls and 176 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Barefield National School a DEIS school?
No. Barefield 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 Barefield National School?
Barefield National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.