Scoil Realt Na Mara
Cromane, Kerry
Key facts
- DEIS
- Mixed
- Pupils enrolled
- 119 about the same size as the median Irish primary school (123 pupils)
- Girls and boys
- 50 girls, 69 boys
- Ethos
- Catholic
- Teaching through Irish
- No subjects through Irish
- Roll number
- 12820H the Department of Education reference for this school
School details
Location
About
Scoil Réalt na Mara is a vibrant primary school serving the community of Cromane, County Kerry. The school provides a welcoming, inclusive environment where pupils from junior infants to sixth class benefit from a balanced curriculum that nurtures both academic achievement and personal development. Emphasis is placed on fostering a love of learning through a blend of traditional subjects and contemporary approaches, with particular attention to Irish language and cultural heritage. The campus has evolved into a modern educational centre. Recent extensions have added specialist spaces including a learning support room, accessible bathroom, medical room and a well‑stocked library. A purpose‑built hall and dedicated play facilities support a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school also operates two Autism classes and is preparing a multi‑million‑euro SEN building featuring sensory play areas, a garden, quiet rooms and daily‑living skills facilities, underscoring its commitment to meeting diverse learner needs. Strong ties with families and the wider community are central to the school’s ethos. Regular communication, community events and collaborative projects ensure that parents and guardians are active partners in each child’s educational journey.
History
The first school in Cromane was established in 1868 in a one‑roomed building known locally as “Cotcher’s School”. In 1886, Fr Thomas Lawler oversaw the construction of Cromane National School, a stone building with four classrooms that taught boys and girls separately until 1967. A new site at Lonhart opened in 1986 as Scoil Réalt na Mara (“Star of the Sea”), replacing the century‑old structure and providing three classrooms, a teachers’ room, utility room, purpose hall and play areas. A two‑classroom extension in 2006 expanded facilities to include a library, learning support room and accessible amenities. Further development saw an additional mainstream classroom opened in December 2022, and plans are underway for a purpose‑built SEN building to house the school’s autism classes and specialised support spaces.
Applying to Scoil Realt Na Mara
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 Scoil Realt Na Mara. 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 Scoil Realt Na Mara
How many pupils attend Scoil Realt Na Mara?
Scoil Realt Na Mara has 119 pupils enrolled, 50 girls and 69 boys. That makes it about the same size as the median Irish primary school, which has 123 pupils.
Is Scoil Realt Na Mara a DEIS school?
Yes. Scoil Realt Na Mara 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 Scoil Realt Na Mara?
Scoil Realt Na Mara has a Catholic ethos. It is a mixed primary school.