Edward Bulfin was born in Woodtown Park, Rathfarnham, Co Dublin the second son of Patrick Bulfin and Teresa Clare Carroll. He was educated at Stonyhurst College, and then at Kensington Catholic Public School. Although he attended Trinity College, Dublin, he did not take a degree, choosing a military career instead. As General during World War I, he established a reputation as an excellent commander. He was most noted for his actions during the First Battle of Ypres, when he organized impromptu forces to slow down the German assault.