Réalt na Mara National School
Waterford
Key facts
- Some Irish-medium
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 196 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 99 girls, 97 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- Some subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20556M the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Réalt na Mara National School is a co‑educational primary school situated in the seaside village of Dunmore East, County Waterford. The school operates on a split‑site arrangement, with Junior Infants to Second Class located on the Village campus and Third to Sixth Classes based on the Killea campus. This dual‑site set‑up allows the school to provide age‑appropriate facilities and a safe, welcoming environment for children from early years through to senior primary level. The school places a strong emphasis on the dynamic relationship between education and society, encouraging pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and values needed to contribute positively to their community. With a team of eight mainstream teachers supported by special education staff, the curriculum is delivered with a focus on inclusivity, creativity and active learning. Outdoor learning spaces, such as the chess area on the senior campus, complement classroom teaching and promote social interaction, critical thinking and physical wellbeing.
History
Réalt na Mara National School was established on 1 September 2021 as an amalgamation of Killea Boys National School and Light of Christ National School. The merger created a single eight‑teacher co‑educational National School with a split‑site campus, continuing the long‑standing traditions of the predecessor schools while adapting to contemporary educational needs.
Applying to Réalt na Mara 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 Réalt na Mara 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 Réalt na Mara 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 Réalt na Mara National School
How many pupils attend Réalt na Mara National School?
Réalt na Mara National School has 196 pupils enrolled, 99 girls and 97 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Réalt na Mara National School a DEIS school?
No. Réalt na Mara 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.
Does Réalt na Mara National School teach through Irish?
Partly. Réalt na Mara National School teaches some subjects through Irish.