Realt Na Mara (C)
School Details
Location
About
Réalta Na Mara Girls National School is a Catholic‑ethos primary school situated in Donacarney, Mornington, Co. Meath. The school provides a nurturing environment where children of all denominations are welcomed and respected, and where daily prayer, Mass and the sacraments are observed in line with its patronage by the Bishop of Meath. The curriculum is underpinned by a mission that “models and promotes a philosophy of life inspired by belief in God and in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ”, while also embracing modern pedagogical practices such as e‑learning, literacy improvement programmes and a strong emphasis on the arts. The campus combines state‑of‑the‑art classrooms with specialised facilities, including the Cuan na Réaltai special‑needs unit, a wildlife garden, and dedicated spaces for art displays and outdoor learning. Recent developments have introduced a summer programme for eligible pupils and upgraded digital resources, supporting a holistic approach to education that balances academic rigour with personal and spiritual growth. With enrolments now exceeding 800 pupils, the school offers a vibrant community atmosphere, active parent involvement, and a range of extracurricular activities that reflect the cultural and sporting life of East Meath.
History
The original Donacarney school opened in a red‑brick building in March 1873, serving a wide rural catchment. By 1963 the premises were too small, prompting the acquisition of a three‑acre site on the Bettystown road and the opening of a new school in February 1965. Rapid population growth in the 1990s led to extensive use of prefabricated classrooms. In 2012 a new, purpose‑built school was approved; construction and relocation were completed by summer 2014, and the modern facilities were officially opened on 5 December 2015 by Bishop Michael Smith. Since then enrolments have risen above 800, the special‑needs unit Cuan na Réaltai has been established, and the school has expanded its e‑learning, literacy, art and wildlife garden programmes.