founded 1994
Get to know our school better with a video from our founder, photo galleries, history and words from our parents.
PAGE CONTENTS
PRINCIPAL
ursula
keenan
Ursula founded our school in 1994. She works here every day managing operations, activities and staff. In this short video she welcomes you to the school and briefly explains what benefits we have to offer your child.
- Since 1994 Mulllingar Montessori and after school club “The Den” has grown to become Westmeath’s Premier Early Learning Centre.
- Now an expanded and purpose built facility it is recognised as one of Ireland’s educational centres of excellence.
- With large outdoor Astro and Woodchip surface play areas to enhance children’s health and fitness
- The schools annual waiting lists are a testament to the high standards of care afforded to all who attend.
Play Video
- Since 1994 Mulllingar Montessori and after school club “The Den” has grown to become Westmeath’s Premier Early Learning Centre.
- Now an expanded and purpose built facility it is recognised as one of Ireland’s educational centres of excellence.
- With large outdoor Astro and Woodchip surface play areas to enhance children’s health and fitness
- The schools annual waiting lists are a testament to the high standards of care afforded to all who attend.
Photo Gallery
school
facilities
Click any image to enlarge
Our campus is a purpose built early years childcare facility to enable the children to play, grow and learn in a safe and fun environment.
- Astro Surface Cycle Path
- Woodchip Play Zone
- Chicken Coup
- Rabbit Hutch
- Custom Kitchen
25+ Years
school
history
Click any heading below to open
Starting out in a converted garage at the back of my mothers house.
There has been quite the transformation as the 25 Years have flown by.
We remain ever focused on being the best Preschool in Ireland.
THE CALLING
DUBLIN TRAINING
SCHOOL OPENING
FAMILY ARRIVALS
SCHOOL EXPANSION
THE CALLING
the
calling!
My own school experience led me down the pathway of Montessori teaching as I felt the traditional approach was not of any advantage to someone like me, who was and still is a very visual learner.
The more I read about Maria Montessori the more I fell in love with her approach to educating and nurturing the whole child.
I particularly appreciated her approach towards helping children become independent and develop at his or her own pace and not the pace of the class.
DUBLIN TRAINING
1987 – 1994
college & training
I completed my teaching trainer college course in Sion Hill Blackrock which included work placement in 1989 at “Muckross Park Montessori” in Donnybrook.
In 1990 I began work in “City Montessori” in Dublin for 4 wonderful years where I learned from one of the very best – Aideen Brennan.
I loved every single day at this school and on leaving to set-up my own school in Mullingar, the parents at the school bought me all my equipment which I am proud to say is still being used by the children today.
SCHOOL OPENING
1994
school founded
I came home to Mullingar to open my school and help my mother with my beloved father John, who had Multiple Sterosis and was in a wheelchair.
Mullingar Montessori School opened in the garage at the back of my mother’s house on Ardmore Road, Mullingar.
I had only intended on staying 2 years in this location but after two major expansions, 25 years on Mullingar Montessori School is still here!
FAMILY ARRIVALS
2000
school & family expansion
In 2000 we completed the schools first expansion project. We extended the Montessori School into new purpose built structures.
I also married Conor that year and we have been blessed with 4 wonderful children, Rory, Finn, Riley and Romey.
They all attended my creche, montessori, full day care, breakfast and after school club.
SCHOOL EXPANSION
2016
major school expansion
In 2016 we invested in new buildings to house our after school club “The Den” and installed a state of the art astro play area.
We also created a garden play area including post office, shop, pet area and hobbit house.
Finally we included a toddler play area with sand boxes and chalk boards.
the
calling!
My own school experience led me down the pathway of Montessori teaching as I felt the traditional approach was not of any advantage to someone like me, who was and still is a very visual learner.
The more I read about Maria Montessori the more I fell in love with her approach to educating and nurturing the whole child.
I particularly appreciated her approach towards helping children become independent and develop at his or her own pace and not the pace of the class.
1987 – 1994
college & training
I completed my teaching trainer college course in Sion Hill Blackrock which included work placement in 1989 at “Muckross Park Montessori” in Donnybrook.
In 1990 I began work in “City Montessori” in Dublin for 4 wonderful years where I learned from one of the very best – Aideen Brennan.
I loved every single day at this school and on leaving to set-up my own school in Mullingar, the parents at the school bought me all my equipment which I am proud to say is still being used by the children today.
1994
school founded
I came home to Mullingar to open my school and help my mother with my beloved father John, who had Multiple Sterosis and was in a wheelchair.
Mullingar Montessori School opened in the garage at the back of my mother’s house on Ardmore Road, Mullingar.
I had only intended on staying 2 years in this location but after two major expansions, 25 years on Mullingar Montessori School is still here!
2000
school & family expansion
In 2000 we completed the schools first expansion project. We extended the Montessori School into new purpose built structures.
I also married Conor that year and we have been blessed with 4 wonderful children, Rory, Finn, Riley and Romey.
They all attended my creche, montessori, full day care, breakfast and after school club.
2016
major school expansion
In 2016 we invested in new buildings to house our after school club “The Den” and installed a state of the art astro play area.
We also created a garden play area including post office, shop, pet area and hobbit house.
Finally we included a toddler play area with sand boxes and chalk boards.
Gretta Keenan
school
nana
My mother Gretta, my best friend and guiding light has played a massive part in the success of Mullingar Montessori School, which is built to the rear of her house.
(Photo: Ursula Keenan with her mother Gretta)
She is always at hand to help out with whatever needs to be done, and only for her it would not be here today. Gretta is known by the children who attend as ”School Nana”.
Mum is a wonderful person and has always shown me how to truly care for others. Leading by example as always, caring for her late husband and my father John, who was wheelchair bound with Multiple Sclerosis.
(Photo: Ursula Keenan with her late father John)
Testimonials
PARENTS
GOOGLE REVIEWS
In their own words
- Some kind words from our pupils parents.
- Many of whom attended themselves as children.
- They have availed of Ecce, Part-time and Full Time Montessori, After School Club “The Den” and Summer Camp.
"ALL THE STAFF ARE LOVELY" Read More
"I can highly recommend Mullingar Montessori & The Den After School Care service.
Our 2 girls attend The Den and they so enjoy it there. They get a nice little walk down from Holy Family school, chatting to their friends, then do their homework in a warm caring environment before enjoying some creative play time. They are full of news about the day at collection time and it’s lovely to hear all about the fun they have at the Den. And of course all about Bernie’s wonderful delicious meals keeping tummies full and satisfied! All the staff are lovely. We are lucky to have to have this wonderful service in Mullingar."
12/05/2023
"SHE HAS MADE MANY FRIENDS" Read More
"My daughter attended Montessori at age 3, she learned so much here, and continues to attend After School now.
She has made many friends there too. The staff are so good, and very friendly and attentive to all the children."
08/05/2023
"CHLOE LOVES BERNIES COOKING" Read More
"My daughter has been going to The Den After School for the last 4 years and is very happy there.
Has lots of friends and the staff are lovely and Chloe loves Bernie’s cooking even tough Chloe is a very fussy eater. She also goes during summer holidays to Summer Camp and over Easter. Huge outdoor area for playtime with lots of different arts and crafts etc. Would highly recommend The Den."
11/05/2023
"VERY ENJOYABLE AFTER SCHOOL CARE" Read More
"Our boy and two girls attend Ursula Keenan's Mullingar Montessori and After School Care part time and it is a great reliable service.
Very well run by lovely caring and very kind staff who provide yummy after school dinner and great homework assistance as well as art and singing and much much more a very enjoyable after school care for all which I would highly recommend."
07/03/2023
"EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH QUALITY" Read More
"Wonderful, quality early years educators!.
From the attention the children receive, the staff, the pleasant atmosphere and the facilities available, the service is of exceptionally high quality. My younger children love going, love the dinners and have made some great friends too."
02/03/2023
"SHE IS REALLY HAPPY" Read More
"My daughter is going to The Den After School, she is very happy.
The staff are very nice, friendly and helpful, really recommended."
28/02/2023
"GAMES THEY PLAY OUTSIDE" Read More
"Ursula Keenan and her staff are fabulous!!
Our Daughter has been attending The Den After School service for a few years and she thoroughly enjoys going there. She is always coming home with art work and telling us about the games they play outside. She also tells us the food is delicious!! I would definitely recommend The Den After School service."
24/02/2023
"LOVED HER TEACHERS THERE" Read More
"My daughter started in the toddler room age two and has gone through ECCE Year 1 & 2 and is now in After School.
She has loved every one of her teachers there and went into junior infants 100% prepared. The staff are amazing including Bernie who has the magic touch at getting kids to eat their healthy dinners. She has made life long friends and already has 1000’s of memories having fun, playing with the pet animals and learning lots of skills."
17/02/2023
"HAPPY, ACTIVE AND LOOKED AFTER" Read More
"Couldn’t recommend a better Montessori & After School Care service.
Our children love it here and we appreciate the staff so much who are always professional and kind in their communications. The facilities are amazing. you can tell some amount of time, investment, and creativity goes into keeping the children happy, active, & looked after. Our kids especially love playing alongside chickens & rabbits on the playground 🤪 They look forward to summer camp & Christmas time festivities the den offers as well."
12/02/2023
"SO PLEASANT TO DEAL WITH" Read More
"Ursula and staff are so pleasant to deal with, never an issue to phone to check things.
Lovely facility and well maintained with regular updates and upgrades during my sons time there. "
30/01/2023
"VERY CARING STAFF" Read More
"I would highly recommend Mullingar Montessori and The Den After School.
All three of our children have attended, between their Toddler Service, the ECCE Service, Full Day Care and now the After School Care Service. We have only had a good experience over the years. They have a fantastic facility with very caring staff and Ursula Keenan keeps improving it year on year. Their Christmas Show is just the sweetest thing you’ll ever see, and it astounds me every year how the staff manage to direct such little kids in such a fun and entertaining way. I would definitely give Mullingar Montessori five stars. It’s great to know your children are being so well looked after and are learning whilst making friends and enjoying themselves. You couldn’t ask for more. "
26/01/2023
"PROGRESSED SO MUCH" Read More
"My daughter started her ECCE in September 2022.
From the day we looked around the school, from the day she started, the support from Ursula and her staff have been exceptional. They go out of there way for each child. My daughter has progressed so much in the time she's been there. I couldn't recommend Mullingar Montessori enough."
17/01/2023
"ATTENTION TO DETAIL" Read More
"Cannot recommend Mullingar Montessori & After school care enough.
Simply put it is the amazing staff that makes it so exceptional. Plus Ursula's experience, expertise and attention to detail underpins my child's development and most importantly it is FUN!!"
14/01/2023
"GREAT CHILDCARE SERVICE" Read More
"Our daughter has been attending The Den after-school for a number of years.
Ursula Keenan runs a great childcare service. The staff are great, so supportive and kind and there is so much to do for the kids, with plenty of space for outside play too. Bernie does a great job on the dinners, which are really popular, and they even have a Christmas dinner each year. I would recommend."
12/02/2023
"AMAZING OUTDOOR FACILITIES" Read More
"My boys attend Mullingar Montessori and they really enjoy it there.
They have made wonderful little friends in a learning and supportive environment. The staff are super caring, patient and lots of fun. They have amazing outdoor play facilities for all sessions. The staff go over and beyond for the kid’s graduation show!!! It’s just wonderful to watch and experience. During Covid 19, they followed all procedures and guidelines to ensure our little ones and their staff were kept safe and healthy, while still maintaining an atmosphere of fun! It was a credit to all the staff during a very difficult time."
07/02/2023
"OUR CHILDREN LOVE IT" Read More
"Great facilities at Mullingar Montessori and The Den.
The Staff are very caring and wonderful at what they do with plenty of learning opportunities for children and an emphasis on fun and play along the way. Our children love it!"
07/02/2023
"HE ADORES HIS TEACHER" Read More
"My son joined year 2 room 6 Montessori in September and I have to say he's just at the end of his first term and he's the happiest little boy ever.
he looks forward to attending every day and cries when he can't attend if he's unwell.. he's almost writing his name where as he couldn't even hold a pencil before this. He's reading books at home .. before .. he wouldn't take his books out ... The Montessori itself is every child's dream equipped with the most beautiful and high standard facilities. The Staff are wonderful, helpful, kind and caring .. Sean Is loving every moment of his time here.. he's a very happy and lucky boy.. he adores his teacher Ann Marie .. well done to Ursula and all the staff that make this Montessori a magical and educational environment for our children .. highly recommended and 5 stars from Mum Dad and Seán Turner"
27/10/2022
"KIDS LOVE GOING IN THERE" Read More
"Having put 4 of my kids in so far I couldn’t be more happy to have them there.
The staff are so helpful and my kids love going in there, always aware of what is happening and knowing what your kiddos do for the month getting pics and making sure they settle well. I couldn’t recommend the Montessori enough. Ursula will go above and beyond to accommodate all your needs and help with any issues that would arise. Lots of hard work on everyone side and you know your little one would be ready for big school when the day comes. Thanks so much for always looking so well after them and us when needed."
22/10/2022
"LOVE IT" Read More
"Brilliant staff and professionally run.
Amazing garden and facilities for the children outside. My 3 children have attended for ECCE and love it!"
15/10/2022
"STAFF ARE THE BEST" Read More
"I do recommend Mullingar Montessori and the den to everyone I know!
My two babies loves it so much. Ursula is the best role model, the atmosphere she made, the play ground and the staff are the best. Thank you Ursula Keenan and all the staff that work so hard."
08/10/2022
"WONDERFUL PLACE" Read More
"My children are so happy here.
The staff are always on hand to help with homework, if they need a snack and all the multitude of things a kid looks for and asks for. Wonderful place."
04/08/2022
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Reviews
PARENTS
TESTIMONIALS
In their own words
- Some kind words from our pupils parents.
- Many of whom attended themselves as children.
- They have availed of Ecce, Part-time and Full Time Montessori, After School Club “The Den” and Summer Camp.
OLIVIA CALLAGHAN
"Ursula and the staff truly love and care for the children, you can just feel it in the atmosphere and hear the joy and laughter"
DEBBIE HALLIGAN
"Our kids have happy memories for life from Mullingar Montessori, I would highly recommend to any family"
SUE ANN PHILLIPS
"The level of care and attention that he receives on a daily basis is second to none. He just loves attending every day"
ELEANOR MCDONAGH
“The structured play and social focus is second to none, there is always lots of fun to be had in a very safe and creative space“
YVONNE CANNING
“The Den is bustling with activity, fun and laughter. She learns and develops in afterschool through the range of fun activities“
MARIE CLARKE
“He has such a great time and makes lots of new friends. When he finishes he absolutely cannot wait for the next camp to start!“
"Ursula and the staff truly love and care for the children, you can just feel it in the atmosphere and hear the joy and laughter"
Olivia CallaghanRe: Toddler Montessori
"Our kids have happy memories for life from Mullingar Montessori, I would highly recommend to any family"
Debbie HalliganRe: Montessori Class
"The level of care and attention that he receives on a daily basis is second to none. He just loves attending every day"
Sue Ann PhillipsRe: Full Day Care
"The structured play and social focus is second to none, there is always lots of fun to be had in a very safe and creative space"
Eleanor McDonaghRe: After School Care
"The Den is bustling with activity, fun and laughter. She learns and develops in afterschool through the range of fun activities"
Yvonne CanningRe: After School Club
"He has such a great time and makes lots of new friends. When he finishes he absolutely cannot wait for the next camp to start!"
Marie ClarkeRe: Kids Camp
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Features
benefits
for children
For children and Parents we have a lot to offer…
Because we are a family run, single location school, we are fully in control of maintaining the highest of standards in our setting.
walking taxi
We have a walking taxi to and from Holy Family Primary School for Breakfast Club and The Den members.
safe and secure
The facility has been purpose built for child care with safety and security a priority indoors and out, in a bright and joyful setting.
family run school
Founder Ursula Keenan manages day to day activities and curriculum on site, ensuring professional and personal care for every single child.
nutritious meals
We have an onsite chef and custom food prep kitchen. The menu changes every day on a 3 week cycle. All our children's meals are prepared by hand from fresh ingredients.
outdoor play area's
The school includes segregated outdoor play areas, with enclosed garden, chicken coup and rabbit hutch, astro surface play area, sand boxes, tricycles and tractors.
full day care
We have a range of services that can care for your child from 8:00am to 6.15pm Monday to Friday 51 weeks per year. Breakfast and Homework clubs, Montessori, Creche.
range of activities
Our teachers are highly trained in providing a wide range of activities for our pupils. This all helps to refine social and motor skills. We invest a lot of money in our equipment.
qualified teachers
All our staff are highly qualified in Montessori and child care. We select only the very best candidates who have a genuine passion for children and education.
open all year round
Modern family life means often both parents are working. We only close for Xmas which means that you can have your child taken care of Mon to Fri whenever suits you.
The facility has been purpose built for child care with safety and security a priority indoors and out, in a bright and joyful setting.
Founder Ursula Keenan manages day to day activities and curriculum on site, ensuring professional and personal care for every single child.
We have an onsite chef and custom food prep kitchen. The menu changes every day on a 3 week cycle. All our children’s meals are prepared by hand from fresh ingredients.
The school includes segregated outdoor play areas, with enclosed garden, chicken coup and rabbit hutch, astro surface play area, sand boxes, tricycles and tractors.
We have a range of services that can care for your child from 8:00am to 6.15pm Monday to Friday 51 weeks per year. Breakfast and Homework clubs, Montessori, Creche.
Our teachers are highly trained in providing a wide range of activities for our pupils. This all helps to refine social and motor skills. We invest a lot of money in our equipment.
All our staff are highly qualified in Montessori and child care. We select only the very best candidates who have a genuine passion for children and education.
Modern family life means often both parents are working. We only close for Xmas which means that you can have your child taken care of Mon to Fri whenever suits you
FOR YOUR CHILD
our
services
OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND
We offer a full and flexible range of loving care for your child, 51 weeks per year.
- Creche
- Part Time
- Full Day Care
- Ecce Montessori
- Breakfast + School Drop Off
- After School Pick Up + Dinner + Homework
- Summer Camp
Click any service below to open…
view our school
book a visit
Interested in Enroling? Then you and your child/children are invited to book a visit to our school.
Come and see for yourself all the amazing facilities and activities we have to offer with a guided tour.
Once we receive your form submission we will contact you regarding availability of the requested date and time.
We look forward to meeting you.
URSULA KEENAN
School Director
NEWS
OUR
SCHOOL BLOG
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Mullingar Montessori is a hive of activity.
Keep up with all that’s happening on our School Blog!
