Scoil Naomh Muire
Scoil Naomh Muire Eas Géitine is a co-educational primary school located at the western end of the town of Askeaton, adjacent to St Mary’s Catholic Church. The school caters for pupils from Junior Infants to Sixth Class and currently has an enrolment of approximately 163 pupils, supported by a staff of 13 teachers and 10 Special Needs Assistants. The school also provides two special classes for pupils with Autism, reflecting its commitment to inclusive education and to meeting the diverse learning and care needs of pupils within the local community.
Historically, primary education in Askeaton was provided by three national schools: the Infant School, the Girls’ National School and the Boys’ National School. The schools were reorganised in 1978 and became the Junior National School, which assumed responsibility for boys and girls from Junior Infants to Second Class, and the Senior National School, which provided education for pupils from Third to Sixth Class.
Scoil Naomh Muire Eas Géitine was formed on 1 September 2022 following the amalgamation of Askeaton Senior National School and Askeaton Junior National School. The amalgamation brought primary education in the town together under one school, providing a continuous educational experience for children from Junior Infants through to Sixth Class.
The school continues to develop its facilities and educational provision. A major addition in 2026 was the opening of a new school playground following a year-long fundraising campaign. Together with the school’s AstroTurf facilities and investment in a wide range of play and physical-activity equipment, this provides pupils with increased opportunities for active, inclusive and enjoyable play throughout the school day. The school’s Active School activities promote participation by all pupils and include athletics, hurling, camogie, football, rugby, movement activities and organised lunchtime opportunities.
The school places a strong emphasis on providing a broad and balanced educational experience. Music is supported through participation in the Music Generation programme, giving pupils opportunities to experience and learn about a variety of musical instruments, while tin whistle tuition is also provided within the school. A Student Council provides pupils with opportunities to contribute to school life and to organise activities for their fellow pupils. Other initiatives evident across the school include the Junior Entrepreneur Programme, school sports, Lego Club, Wellbeing Week, Seachtain na Gaeilge and a wide range of educational visits and community-based learning experiences.
Environmental awareness and sustainability are also promoted throughout the school. In June 2026, the school’s Green Schools Committee successfully achieved the school’s second Green Flag. Pupils are actively involved in environmental initiatives and action days, providing opportunities to develop awareness of sustainability and responsibility for their local and wider environment.
The school seeks to provide a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment in which every child is encouraged to participate fully in school life and to develop academically, socially, emotionally, physically and creatively. The school maintains close links with parents, local organisations, sporting bodies and the wider Askeaton community, and pupils are encouraged to develop a strong sense of belonging to both their school and locality.
Many historic attractions adorn the town and parish of Askeaton. Desmond Castle and the Franciscan Friary are among the most prominent when approaching the town. Other notable sites include St Mary’s Church of Ireland Church and churchyard, the burial place of the poet Aubrey de Vere; Lismakeera Church; Askeaton Hall House; St Mary’s Catholic Church; and the Iron Age stone fort at Milltown. These historic buildings and ruins are valued within the community and continue to attract visitors to the area. Local history forms an important part of the identity of Askeaton and provides valuable opportunities for pupils to learn about the heritage of their own community.
“This school now has high speed broadband connectivity through the Department of Education School Broadband Programme, delivered as part of the Irish National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) under the Recovery and Resilience Facility funded by the European Union through NextGenerationEU.”