There are numerous convincing justifications for enrolling a child in a summer camp. Some parents consider it as a means to boost their child’s self-esteem or promote autonomy. For others, it facilitates the enhancement of a child’s particular interests or skills. Or perhaps it’s merely to provide the child with a change of scenery, limit their exposure to digital devices, or to cater to the needs of working parents.
Regardless of the rationale, the summer period is elongated, and selecting the right camp to ensure children remain engaged and entertained is a yearly – and often costly – undertaking.
As an aid, we have compiled a list of some of the top camps on offer this summer. This is the first part of two guides dedicated to in-person camps — particularly those primarily focussed on outdoor activities.
In the following guide to sporting related camps in Ireland this summer, it is our hope that you and your family will discover something of interest.
Tune in next week for our comprehensive guide to camps unrelated to sports (which include drama, art, coding, science, and language camps).
Alive Outside
This camp offers a wide variety of activities ranging from team sports to team-building exercises. What child wouldn’t want to try out kayaking, archery, and obstacle courses? A noteworthy addition this summer is their camp in Dublin (Rathgar), which features a day-trip to the magnificent Killruddery Estate.
Locations: Killruddery, Bray, Co Wicklow and The High School, Rathgar, Dublin 6.
Dates and Times: Three- and five-day camps throughout July and August.
Age Group: 7-13 years.
Price: Ranges from €114 for a three-day camp to €175 for a five-day camp.
Website: aliveoutside.ie
Astro Park
This camp is a multi-activity outdoor camp that includes varied activities such as Bubble football, Nerf AstroWars, and Bouncy Castles. If these activities seem unfamiliar, feel free to ask your child. The camp predominantly focusses on making sure everyone has a great time.
Locations: Tallaght and Coolock, Dublin.
This summer, a variety of camps are available for children of different ages, providing an excellent opportunity to learn, engage, improve skills, make friends, and most importantly, have fun.
Astropark is organising a camp from 9 am to 3 pm for eight weeks during July and August. The camp is suitable for children aged between 5 and 12 years, and the fee is €110 for a five-day camp and €90 for a four-day camp. More information is available on the official website, astropark.ie.
With the Summer Olympics this year, Athletics Ireland is hosting summer camps across the nation for aspiring athletes aged 6 to 12 years. These camps serve as a pressure-free, enjoyable platform for children wanting to polish their athletic skills. Additionally, for the first time, Athletics Ireland is catering to teenagers from 13-17 years with a camp at Morton Stadium from June 17th to 21st. The fee for these five-day camps, running from 10 am to 2 pm during July and August, is €75. Details about the camps are available at athleticsireland.ie/clubs/summercamps.
For badminton enthusiasts, the Mark Topping’s camps held at Terenure Badminton Centre, Whitehall Road, Dublin 12, might be a good fit. The camps, suitable for children aged 6 to 17, aim to provide a fun-filled exploration journey of badminton. Four camps are scheduled in July and August from 10 am to 2 pm with a fee of €150. Visit childrensbadmintoncamps.com for more details.
For basketball fans, the fast-filling 3×3 residential camps are being hosted at the University of Limerick and Clongowes Wood College, Clane, Co Kildare. These camps are open to all abilities and don’t require prior experience of 3×3, the Olympic format of the game.
The UL camp is scheduled to run between the 23rd and 28th of June, whereas the two weeks in Clongowes will occur from the 1st to 6th of July and 7th to 12th of July. The cost for aged 13-17 participation is €575, excluding the booking fee. Detailed information can be found on the website: ireland.basketball/nationalcamp.
Bravehearts @ Trinity Sport, located at Trinity College Sports Centre, 43 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, offers diverse activities such as basketball, football, arts and crafts, swimming, rock-climbing, tennis and hockey, aiming to keep children captivated and amused. The camp runs for eight weeks from the 1st of July to the 23rd of August and is suitable for ages 4-13. The pricing is set at €220 for non-members and €190 for members. If parents opt for two months’ gym membership for €87, they are eligible for the members rate and can utilise the facilities. More details are available on their website: tcd.ie/sport/childrens-activities.
Connemara Maths Academy, based in Cistercian College, Roscrea, Co Tipperary and Carlingford Lough, Co Louth, is lined up for five upcoming camps between the 23rd of June and 27th of July. Though the keyword ‘Maths’ is in the name, the CMA Summer Camps offer more than that, including workshops, adventure challenges and social events – such as karaoke. It covers STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Maths) subjects while providing ample time for adventure activities and team sports. This would stimulate creativity, discovery and adventure among 7-17 years old participants. Enrollment fee starts from €300. More information is available on their website: connemaramathsacademy.com.
This year is a remarkable milestone for Cork Cricket Club as they celebrate their 150th anniversary. They will commemorate it by running a summer camp as part of Cricket Ireland’s “Smash It” initiative, which hopes to inspire youngsters to engage in cricket and hone their dexterity. Every attendant will receive a backpack, T-shirt, bat and ball as part of their package.
The Richard Beamish Cricket Grounds, situated in Mardyke, Cork, is the venue for a camp from July 15th to 19th, running from 10am to 1pm on weekdays. This programme accommodates children from 5 to 9 years and comes at a cost of €75. For further details, check corkcountycricketclub.com or email [email protected].
This season, Deucepoint is making a comeback with their multisport camps at four different venues in Dublin namely, Terenure, Castleknock, Carrickmines and Harold’s Cross. Continually held from 9.30am to 2.30pm throughout July and August, these camps encourage children aged 5-15 to delve into different sporting activities. The cost is €100 and more details are on deucepoint.ie.
DSD Camps is calling for sport enthusiasts aged 7-16 to partake in activities that mirror the Summer Olympics- with High Jump, Race Walking, Long Jump, Javelin, Hurdles and Shot Put on the list. Running 9am-3pm daily for four weeks in July at DSD Athletics Sports Campus, Dublin 16, aspiring Olympians can sign up for €160. Visit dsdcamps.ie for more.
Fota Island Adventure camp is offering an exhilarating experience with activities such as Battle Royale using Mega Nerf series weaponry, a host of other games and outdoor activities. Camps last for four hours daily for five days throughout July and August at Fota Island Resort, Tullagreen, Co Cork. For children aged 7-15 years.
Take a look at these exciting camps suitable for children and teenagers.
Firstly, we have the popular Gaelic Games camp – a fantastic value package that includes five days of entertainment. Children attending receive a backpack, jersey, and a 1/4 zip-top to take home. Whether your youngster is testing the waters as a beginner or is passionate about camogie, hurling, or Gaelic football, our Cúl Camps are tailored to suit their needs. These camps, which are organised in all of the 32 counties, guarantee that if you’re residing anywhere on the island, you’ll find a Cúl Camp within reach. Some camps are even held internationally. The camps run for five days from late June until the end of August, from 10am-2pm daily, and accommodate children aged between 6 and 13 years. The cost is €75 (£65) for the first child, €60 (£50) for the second, and €50 (£45) for the third. Visit the website at kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie for more information.
If your child has a flair for climbing, the Hike & Climb camps are worth considering. This program is aimed at slight experienced young climbers who aspire to enhance their existing skills and gain confidence. Camps are offered at four locations – Dalkey Quarry, Co Dublin; The Burren, Co Clare; Inis Mór, Co Galway; and Wales. The camps vary in length from non-residential three-day stays to five-day residential experiences during the months of June, July, and August. They cater for ages between 12-18 years. Costs start from €250, and a trip to Wales is priced at €800, which includes ferry fees, accommodation, transport, food, and education. Discounts are available for Mountaineering Ireland members. Check out their website hikeandclimb.ie for further details.
Lastly, we have Hockey Express; the perfect camp for young athletes keen to enhance their hockey abilities. No previous knowledge is needed – even novices who are willing to try field hockey are welcomed. They even offer goalkeeping training. The camps are held in different counties including Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Offaly, Tipperary, Westmeath, and Wexford. Their three to five-day camps run throughout July and August from 10am-2pm. The price is €160 and more information is available at fotaadventure.com.
Just 4 Fun Kids hosts a multitude of activity camps around Munster for children from ages 5 to 12, where the emphasis is on participative enjoyment and social enrichment, both within and outside the venue. The camp venues include various locations in Cork, Kerry, and Limerick like Bantry, Carrigaline, Donoughmore, Killarney, Limerick City, Midleton, and Tralee, occurring throughout July from 9:30 am to 3 pm daily at a cost of €115. Visit their webpage at just4funkidscamp.com for more information.
Hockey Express offers sports camps for children aged between 5 to 18 years at a starting price of €60. Detailed information can be accessed on their website, hockeyexpress.ie/camps.
Killary Adventure Company provides an exhilarating camp experience, comprising of both on-land and in-water activities at the northern tip of Connemara for children aged 8 to 17 years. The cost varies from €76 for a daily multi-activity camp to €1,586 for international campers attending a 14-day multi-activity camp. The camp offers both residential and non-residential options, taking place in June, July, and August. Visit their website, killaryadventure.com for more details.
Let’s Go! offers an exciting summer experience with its multi-activity sports camps. Available throughout the country, these camps offer a blend of thrilling activities like inflatable games, KMX karting, and VR adventures along with hockey, football and lots more. The focus is on building new friendships, experiencing joy and creating unforgettable memories. Open from July to August, these five-day camps occur from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and are ideal for children aged 5 to 12. The camps are available in a myriad of locations including Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, and Dublin to name a few.
Immerse yourself in a gymnastics journey this summer at Olympian Gymnastics. They offer a vast variety of camps across South Dublin and Naas. They cater to all levels, from experienced gymnasts to beginners looking for a new experience. Guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience, running across seven different venues including Greenhills (Taurus Business Park), Rathfarnham (Nutgrove Shopping Centre), and more. The camps run for eight weeks starting from July 1st to August 23rd offering both morning and afternoon sessions for 3-16-year-olds. Prices range from €85 to €125. Find more information on olympiangymnastics.com.
Alternatively, check out the popular PSA Rugby Academies which provide advanced coaching for budding rugby stars. The camps run by professional rugby coaches offer skill and physical development training, located in various Irish locations including Cistercian College Roscrea and Kilkenny College among others. Catering to ages 10-16, the camps run from Sunday to Friday, both as residential and non-residential from July to August. Prices range between €270 and €550. Visit psaacademies.com for more details.
For those interested in water sports, Rebelle Surf offers a unique experience. Their camps and lessons aim to enhance confidence and resilience through surfing instruction, ocean awareness and fun activities. A perfect opportunity for children to learn how to navigate and surf ocean waves safely from the National Surf Centre located in Strandhill, Co Sligo.
The children’s and teens’ camps at Rebellesurf kick-off from June 24th and run until the close of August. The camps are suitable for kids aged between 7 and 18 with a price tag of €140. For more information, refer to their official website: rebellesurf.com
Redhills Adventure has Junior and Teen camps on offer with activities centred around combat gaming such as junior paintball and airsoft. Additionally, they have a new skill zone with human foosball, billiards, footgolf, frisbee golf, and archery. They are also introducing a tough combat assault course in an elephant grass maze. Situated in Knocknagalliagh, Co Kildare, they offer three and four-day camps in July and early August for ages 7-12 (Junior) and 12-17 (Teen). The cost is €99. More details can be found at redhillsadventure.ie.
The Rip ‘n’ Run basketball camps began in 1998 and cater to players across all age groups, offering court games, drills, and nutritional advice. Located at St Pat’s DCU, Drumcondra, Dublin, they run for two weeks, from August 4th until August 15th. Prices range from €335 for non-residential to €539 for residential. Check ripnrun.com for further insights.
The ultimate summer surf camp for kids can be found at Rossnowlagh Surf School. Situated on the beautiful Rossnowlagh Beach in Co Donegal, the camp runs from June through August, Monday to Friday, with two hours of sessions each day. Directed by Irish Surf Team coaches, children aged 8-16 can learn the basics of surfing and ocean safety in an engaging and relaxed environment. Concurrent adult camps are also an option. Prices start at €120. Learn more at rossnowlaghsurfschool.com.
The camps offer an opportunity for children to explore rugby, from beginners to those already involved with a local team. These camps aim to enhance rugby skills in an enjoyable and secure set-up. They are organised across the island, with at least one camp hosted in most counties. For example, Leinster rugby runs camps at 29 destinations spread across 12 counties. These five-day camps are held throughout June, July, and August, starting from either 9am or 9.30 am until 1pm or 1.30pm. Campbell College in Belfast offers a separate residential camp for boys and girls lasting 2-3 nights. Children aged 6-12 can participate at a cost varying from €80-€95. More information can be obtained from each province’s respective rugby website.
Rugby Academy Ireland offers summer academies specifically targeted for dedicated, age grade representative players seeking to practice in a high-end setting. The eligible participants are those with prior high-ranking rugby expertise. There are three Irish-based camps, situated at Cistercian College Roscrea, Co Tipperary; Kilkenny College, Co Kilkenny, and Midleton College, Co Cork. These are residential weekly camps held in July and August, running from 9 am-5 pm for non-residents. Youths aged 16-18 can enrol, with costs starting from €550. More details are available at rugbyacademyireland.ie.
For badminton enthusiasts, Shuttlerockers organise a camp guided by one of Ireland’s elite badminton players, Louie Lyons. The camp is adaptable for newcomers as well as proficient players and incorporates a combination of badminton and SAQ (speed, agility, and quickness) practices. Participants can also engage in an assortment of games and mini tournaments. The camp is located at Castleknock College in Dublin and runs from 19th to 23rd August, between 1 pm and 4 pm. Children aged 5-17 years can join at a cost of €120. More information can be found at shuttlerockers.ie/bookings/.
The FAI and IFA summer camps, notably successful in occupying children throughout the summer months, provide an ideal environment for kids who have a penchant for football. These camps, hosted in several venues in both the Republic and Northern Ireland, are suitable for beginners as well as those with a love for the sport, with multiple camps being offered at some locations. Pay attention to the various venues and dates available. The camps also offer an opportunity for new club recruitment.
– Venue: Widespread across every county.
– Schedule: Five days, running from 10am till 1pm, throughout July and August.
– Age Limit: Aged between 6-14 (5-13 in Northern Ireland).
– Fees: €75 for the first child.
– Official Site: faifootballcamps.ie (For Northern Ireland, visit irishfa.com)
Sport Ireland
Sport Ireland facilitates children’s participation in the Campus Kids’ Camps where they get to explore different sports in an environment similar to that employed by Team Ireland Olympians for their top-tier training. A variety of new camps are being introduced for 2024, including Indoor Turf Games, Girls-Only Football, Aquatics Camps, and Teen Athletic Development Camp, along with the continuation of Multisport, Gymnastics, Inclusive, and Diving.
– Venue: National Sports Campus, Blanchardstown, Co Dublin.
– Schedule: Weekly multi-sport camps across the summer, kickoff starts July 1st. The crowd-favourite multi-sport camp runs from 9am – 3pm. Extended time opportunities available from 7.30am to 5.30pm.
– Age Limit: Variety of camp types available for ages from 3 (Junior Camp) to 17 (Teen Camps).
– Fees: Starting from €90. The mainstream multi-sport camp comes in at €120 per week (9am-3pm daily).
– Official Site: sportirelandcampus.ie
Stratford LTC
Primarily designed for novice and intermediate level players, these tennis camps are directed by Scott Hubbard and serve as an excellent platform for enhancing tennis skills.
– Venue: Grosvenor Square, Rathmines, Dublin.
This summer, there are several camps for children to enjoy in Dublin, appealing to a range of interests and age groups.
Stratford Tennis Club is hosting a Summer Camp from 10 am to 1 pm, followed by After Camp Games & Series from 1 pm to 3 pm. The camp runs three times in July and once in August and caters to ages 5-16 years old. The fee ranges from €75 to €110. More details are available on their website, stratfordtennis.ie.
For those interested in swimming, iSwim Academy is running intensive summer camps with a primary focus on private swimming lessons, addressing the limited availability and high demand for these sessions. Taking place at Club Vitae Tallaght & Liffey Valley, the camps will run for nine weeks from July 1st to August 30th, and cater to anyone over 4 years, including adults. Weekly fees are €160 per child. More about the camp can be found on their website, iswim.ie.
Tennis enthusiasts have the opportunity to be trained at the camp run by former Olympic player Owen Casey, located at Mount Pleasant LTC, Ranelagh. The camp, suitable for all skill levels and ages between 5 and 16, focuses on both foundational skills and match tactics. It offers four-day and five-day camps from June through August, between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm. The cost oscillates between €125 and €150, and bookings can be made by emailing [email protected].
Finally, the Trojan Gymnastic Club, based in Holly Avenue, Stillorgan Business Park, offers an exciting camp for children aged 3-12 years. In this camp, children will learn and practice various gymnastics skills on different apparatuses. They offer a Junior Camp for three-year-olds from 9 am-noon, and a Summer Camp for 4-12-year-old that runs from 9 am to 1 pm with an option for early drop-off. Pricing starts at €150.