Who We Are | Réalta Draíochta

About Us

Who We Are

About Us

The children at Réalta Draíochta are at the heart of everything we do!

We work to create a nurturing environment for children to grow and develop using a child-centered approach, where there is a love of learning and discovery and where the seeds are set for a lifelong educational journey.

Our vision is to create an imaginative space, encourage creativity and open up a world of wonder and curiosity for the children in our care.

Réalta Draíochta’s vision is underpinned by the Montessori philosophy which encourages children to become confident and independent learners. It is guided by the Aistear curriculum, the early childhood curriculum framework for children aged from nought to six and used in infant classrooms in primary schools.

The FunClub Afterschool Service

The FunClub after-school service is offered at Réalta Draíochta this service is for children who are attending primary school.

Play & Activities: There are various activities for children to engage in. Included is outdoor play, free play, art and craft, music and games.

Some of the benefits of using our Afterschool Service include;

familiar surroundings in a school setting allow for easier settling in period for young children in the afterschool,
ratio of 12: 1,
qualified & garda vetted practitioners will work with your child,
socialising with friends,
supervised homework after 3pm

Children attending our preschool are given priority to enrol in the FunClub Afterschool Service but places are limited & advance booking is recommended.

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Managers & Staff

Kathryn and Martina have over 30 years of combined experience managing and working in the childcare sector. In the past Martina managed a Childcare facility and also worked as a Special Needs Assistant. Kathryn has worked as a Montessori teacher and Stiúrthóir Naíonra (teaching children through Irish).

Martina Cunningham

Managing Partner

Hons Degree in Early Childhood Studies & Practice, NUI Galway.
Diploma in Child Psychology & Business.
Trained in the 'Incredible Year's Programmes', classroom management.
QQI Level 6 Montessori
QQI Level 6 Supervision in Childcare.
QQI Level 5 Caring for Children with Special Needs.
FAR qualified | First Aid Responder.
QQI Level 5 Marketing.

Kathryn Quinn

Managing Partner

Hons Degree in Early Childhood Studies & Practice, NUI Galway.
Diploma in Montessori Teaching, Mayoralty College, Galway.
Diploma in Irish, NUI Galway.
QQI Level 5 Caring for Children with Special Needs.
QQI Level 6 Supervision in Childcare.
Trained in the 'Incredible Year's Programmes', classroom management.
Trained in First Aid.
Designated Child Protection Officer at Réalta Draíochta.

Healthy Ireland Smart Start Award

We received the Healthy Ireland Smart Start award. We promote healthy eating and well-being at the service.

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Why Choose Us?

We ensure the quality of the service is high. Our department of education inspection results give an insight into the overall quality of our service. We promote the Irish language We have a spacious outdoor area which is age and stage appropriate for young children’s development. Some of the features include, mud kitchens, a buddy bench, water play, a music wall and a sand pit.

Partnership with parents is encouraged in our setting, this means you will be directly involved in your child’s preschool experience. We also have visitors from the community that come to our setting and meet with the children, throughout the year.