Barnaderg Central School
Tuam, Galway
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 77 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 40 girls, 37 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 19275U the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Barnaderg National School is a co‑educational primary school situated in the heart of the countryside at Barnaderg, Killererin, Tuam, Co. Galway. With a roll of 84 pupils supported by a team of teachers and special needs assistants, the school offers a nurturing environment that balances academic learning with the benefits of a close‑knit community. The curriculum follows the Irish primary syllabus, encouraging active participation, creativity and the development of social skills, while the school’s modern facilities enable a broad range of extracurricular activities. The campus was extensively renovated in 2006, providing bright, spacious classrooms, a purpose‑built gymnasium, a well‑stocked library and dedicated rooms for special education. Outdoor provision includes a large front yard for the younger classes, a newly upgraded ball court and a substantial pitch at the rear for older pupils, as well as a safe car‑park with a round‑about to manage arrivals and departures. These facilities support a holistic approach to education, promoting physical wellbeing alongside academic achievement.
History
Barnaderg National School opened its doors in 1973, occupying a site that had previously housed a school built in 1841 and a historic building founded in 1894. The school is set against the backdrop of Barnaderg Castle, a medieval structure originally constructed by Malachy O’Kelly and later associated with the O’Kelly family’s extensive lands. The castle and its surrounding turlough have long been a feature of the local landscape, providing unique learning opportunities for pupils. In 2006 the school underwent a major renovation, adding a gym, library, purpose room and specialised spaces for special education, reflecting its commitment to modern, inclusive teaching.
Applying to Barnaderg Central 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 Barnaderg Central 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 Barnaderg Central School
How many pupils attend Barnaderg Central School?
Barnaderg Central School has 77 pupils enrolled, 40 girls and 37 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Barnaderg Central School a DEIS school?
No. Barnaderg Central 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 Barnaderg Central School?
Barnaderg Central School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.