Clarecastle National School
Clarecastle, Clare
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 362 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 179 girls, 183 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 17026M the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Clarecastle National School, located on the outskirts of Ennis in the rapidly growing village of Clarecastle, provides a nurturing environment that prioritises the physical, emotional, social and intellectual safety of pupils. Guided by a vision to develop each child across spiritual, moral, cognitive, imaginative, aesthetic, social and physical dimensions, the school aims to equip learners with the confidence and skills required for present and future challenges. The campus combines modern facilities with ample space for active learning. A bright, well‑equipped P.E. hall, a library, dedicated resource and learning‑support rooms, an ASD unit and a sensory room cater to diverse educational needs. Outdoor provisions include an all‑weather sports area, a basketball court and access to Clarecastle GAA facilities. Sixteen classrooms, a purpose‑built hall, kitchen area and specialised resource rooms support a varied curriculum, while the school’s “learning squads” model encourages collaborative, student‑centred learning. Approximately 360 children currently attend, benefiting from a holistic approach that balances academic rigour with creative and physical development.
History
The school’s past is celebrated through the “Memories in Black and White” project, a collection of recollections from former pupils who share stories of their upbringing in Clarecastle and their experiences of school life in earlier days.
Applying to Clarecastle 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
View Clarecastle National School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Clarecastle National School. The school publishes its own calendar, linked above, and that is the authoritative source for its reopening date and discretionary closure days.
- 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 Clarecastle National School
How many pupils attend Clarecastle National School?
Clarecastle National School has 362 pupils enrolled, 179 girls and 183 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Clarecastle National School a DEIS school?
Yes. Clarecastle National School is part of DEIS, the Department of Education programme called Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. DEIS schools serve communities at risk of educational disadvantage and receive additional supports, which can include smaller classes, extra teaching posts and funding for books and meals.
What is the ethos of Clarecastle National School?
Clarecastle National School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.