Primary school

Barnane National School

Templemore, Tipperary

Key facts

  • Mixed
Pupils enrolled
39 smaller than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
Girls and boys
19 girls, 20 boys
Ethos
Catholic
Teaching through Irish
No subjects through Irish
Roll number
18379E the Department of Education reference for this school

School details

Address
Barnane, Templemore
Location
Templemore, Tipperary
School type
Primary
Latest inspection reports
View on gov.ie

Location

About

Barnane National School is a small, mixed‑gender primary school set in the picturesque parish of Drom & Inch, Co Tipperary. Nestled against the backdrop of the Devil’s Bit Mountain, the school benefits from a tranquil rural environment that enhances outdoor learning and community spirit. With a current enrolment of around 48 pupils, the school operates a four‑teacher model comprising three mainstream class teachers and a Special Educational Needs (SET) teacher, allowing for personalised attention and support for all learners. The school follows a balanced curriculum that blends traditional academic subjects with a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities. Recent highlights include county‑level successes in camogie, football and athletics, as well as vibrant events such as Maths Week and a Christmas performance, reflecting a commitment to holistic development. The daily timetable starts at 9:00 am, with junior and senior infants finishing at 1:40 pm and older classes at 2:40 pm, providing structured learning periods interspersed with short break times. Facilities include dedicated classrooms for each class level, a well‑equipped library, and access to nearby natural spaces for outdoor education. The school’s active school flag and regular community‑driven events foster a strong sense of belonging among pupils, families and staff.

History

The original Barnane National School was established in 1846 when two national schools were housed together in a stone building on the estate of local landlord John Woodcock Carden. The two‑storey, non‑vested school accommodated up to 72 children and featured separate rooms for boys and girls, a library, maps and a clock. In 1958 a new school building was erected, marking the transition to the present‑day Barnane National School. Since then the school has been led by a succession of principals, beginning with Mary White (who oversaw both the old and new schools), followed by Martin Ryan, Clare Hanley and, from 2020, Therese Glendon.

Applying to Barnane 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 Barnane 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 Barnane National School

How many pupils attend Barnane National School?

Barnane National School has 39 pupils enrolled, 19 girls and 20 boys. That makes it smaller than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.

Is Barnane National School a DEIS school?

No. Barnane 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 Barnane National School?

Barnane National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.