Gaelscoil Dara - Sanctuary Schools Grass & Playground Equipment

Gaelscoil Dara is a returning customer. The school had previously worked with SchoolsGrass.ie on a separate outdoor area within the grounds - a project that delivered strong results and led to the school making contact again when problems developed elsewhere in the playground.

On this occasion, the focus was the main playground area - a large space in daily use by pupils and staff. In dry conditions it functioned reasonably well, but as the school year progressed the surface became increasingly difficult to manage, particularly during periods of sustained wet weather.

The area measured approximately 400 square metres and had been finished in mulch. While mulch can work in certain settings, this playground was experiencing persistent drainage problems. Water was slow to clear, and after rainfall the surface regularly remained wet for extended periods.

The knock-on effect was that the space was frequently out of use. Sections became uneven and messy, and the overall condition of the playground declined over time. For staff, this created ongoing disruption. For pupils, it meant reduced access to outdoor play - particularly during the wetter months.

The playground also contained a number of existing play structures that were in regular use and needed to remain in place. Any new surface would have to be fitted around this equipment without affecting layout, access, or safety standards.

Project Objectives

The school's requirements were practical and clearly defined:

Resolve drainage issues to allow year-round use
Replace the existing surface with a more dependable alternative
Keep all existing playground equipment in place
Provide a surface suited to daily school use
Reduce the ongoing maintenance burden

The brief wasn't about changing how the space functioned - it was about making it reliable regardless of the weather.

Groundworks and Preparation

Before any new surface could go down, sections of the existing mulch were cleared. Areas most affected by drainage failure were addressed directly, with improvements made to help water move away from the surface more efficiently.

A number of grass mounds within the playground were also replaced as part of the preparatory works. These changes helped level out the area and ensured the new surface would sit correctly once installed.

Getting the groundworks right was essential to the long-term success of this project. Replacing the surface without first tackling the drainage issues underneath would not have provided a lasting solution.

Artificial Grass Installation

With preparation complete, artificial grass was installed across the full playground area.

Because all play equipment remained in position throughout, the grass had to be carefully measured, cut, and shaped to fit cleanly around each structure. This required precise on-site work to achieve neat edges and a consistent finish across the entire space.

The finished surface is uniform and stable underfoot, with no loose material or uneven sections. It provides a safe, reliable play area that performs consistently in all weather conditions.

The Finished Playground

The upgraded playground is now available for use throughout the school year. Drainage has been substantially improved - the surface clears quickly after rain and no longer needs to be closed off due to wet conditions.

From a maintenance perspective, the new surface removes the need for the regular top-ups and re-levelling that mulch typically requires. For staff, that means fewer interruptions to the school day. For pupils, it means more consistent access to the yard. The playground also has a cleaner, more defined appearance.

The artificial grass creates a clear, safe, and usable space around the existing equipment while maintaining a natural look that suits a school setting.

Click on any photo to launch gallery.

A Return Project Built on Experience

Returning to Gaelscoil Dara was a continuation of an existing working relationship rather than a first-time project. The school had already seen the difference a well-planned surface upgrade could make, which gave them confidence to move forward with this second installation - a different space, different challenges, but the same objective: outdoor areas that perform reliably in Irish conditions.

A Space Ready for Everyday Use

The completed playground now supports daily school life without being dependent on the weather. It is a robust, practical solution built to handle constant use while remaining safe and accessible for all pupils.

By replacing an unreliable mulch surface with artificial grass and addressing the drainage at the same time, Gaelscoil Dara now has a playground that works as it should - throughout the year, not just on dry days.

Considering an upgrade to your school playground or outdoor space?

Get in touch with the SchoolsGrass.ie team today to discuss your project and find out how durable, well-installed artificial grass can improve usability, safety, and long-term performance in your school environment.