Realt Na Mara School
Dundalk, Louth
Key facts
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 467 larger than the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 214 girls, 253 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 20339E the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Réalt na Mara National School is a co‑educational, vertical primary school serving the Dundalk community. The school provides a continuous educational experience from junior to senior classes, allowing pupils to progress through the primary curriculum within a single, supportive environment. Emphasis is placed on a balanced programme that includes core academic subjects alongside Art, Physical Education and Music, fostering both intellectual development and creative expression. A distinctive feature of Réalt na Mara is its dedicated Centre for Autism. Established in 1999, the centre now comprises four specialised autism classes and an Early Intervention Class, delivering an adapted curriculum tailored to the needs of neurodiverse learners. This inclusive approach enables children with autism to participate fully in school life, including First Communion and Confirmation ceremonies alongside their peers. The school maintains an active calendar of events, ranging from junior park runs to community gatherings, and encourages parental involvement through special interest groups such as the Special Needs Active Parents network. Modern facilities support a vibrant learning atmosphere, and the school’s commitment to inclusivity and holistic education positions it as a key educational hub in the region.
History
In September 2009, Réalt na Mara Junior School and Réalt na Mara Senior School amalgamated to become Réalt na Mara National School. The school’s Centre for Autism began in 1999 with an initial class for children with autism and has since expanded to include four autism classes and an Early Intervention Class, reflecting a long‑standing commitment to specialised inclusive education.
Applying to Realt Na Mara 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 Realt Na Mara School's own calendar (2026/2027 school year)
Irish schools follow a standardised school year, so these nationwide primary school dates apply broadly to Realt Na Mara 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 Realt Na Mara School
How many pupils attend Realt Na Mara School?
Realt Na Mara School has 467 pupils enrolled, 214 girls and 253 boys. That makes it larger than the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Realt Na Mara School a DEIS school?
No. Realt Na Mara 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 Realt Na Mara School?
Realt Na Mara School has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.