A guide for parents to the best Irish summer camps, from badminton and basketball to rock climbing and surfingSummer camps allow children to take part in fun activities, learn skills, forge friendships and take a long screen break Thu May 21 2026 - 06:01 • 14 MIN READSummer camps are among best things about June, July and August – and not just for parents.They can help to build a child’s confidence, develop skills, encourage independence, discover passions, and begin long friendships.Of course, they are not cheap, so care is needed in choosing one that will best help your little one to make the most of the summer months.To help, we have included here some of the best camps available this summer below. This guide is primarily concerned with camps that are, at least for the most part, about being outside and active.Alive OutsideAlive Outside builds practical skills through play A week of sport, outdoor adventure and creative challenges across four Co Dublin and Co Wicklow locations, including new camps this summer in Grangegorman and Swords. The programme includes team games, outdoor activities and problem-solving, alongside a new adventure-led Stem element that builds practical skills through play rather than classroom learning.Locations: Killruddery Bray, High School Rathgar, Coláiste Choilm Swords and TU Dublin Grangegorman.Dates and times: Throughout July and August, with three-day Teen camps also available end of June.Ages: 7-13 years.Cost: From €150.Website: aliveoutside.ieAstro ParkGive your little one a different kind of holiday experience, away from screens and indoors. They will play, learn, grow, and make memories that last a lifetime. A multi-activity outdoor camp featuring activities such as bubble football, Nerf AstroWars, and giant inflatables. The focus is on safe, energetic and unforgettable days that kids will be excited about for weeks afterwards.Locations: Tallaght and Coolock, Dublin.Dates & times: 9am-3pm, Monday to Friday, June 29th-August 28th. Ages: 5-12 years.Cost: €110 for a five-day camp, €90 for a four-day camp.Website: astropark.ieAthletics IrelandAthletics: There’s a focus on building confidence, promoting positive mental health and creating a fun. Photograph: iStock Camps designed for young athletes of all abilities, whether they are taking their first steps on the track or looking to sharpen their competitive edge. Participants will enjoy a dynamic programme covering running, hurdling, jumping and throwing, all delivered by experienced, enthusiastic coaches. There’s also a focus on building confidence, promoting positive mental health and creating a fun, supportive environment where everyone can thrive. There is also an Athletics Ireland Teen Camp (13-17) from June 15th-18th at Morton Stadium. Locations: Nationwide.Dates and times: Five-day camps, 10am-2pm, through July and August.Ages: 6-12 years.Cost: €80.Website: athleticsireland.ie/get-involved/programmes/campsBadmintonMark Topping has been running camps for more than 10 years. If your child enjoys badminton, or would like to give it a try – or perhaps you just want your child to put down their phone/tablet/video game for five minutes – then this could be the one for them. The emphasis is on fun and “exploring the wonderful sport of badminton”. Location: Terenure Badminton Centre, Whitehall Road, Perrystown, Dublin 12.Dates and times: Four camps, 9am to 1pm daily. July 13th-17th, 27th-31st, August 4th-7th, 17th-21st.Ages: 9-17 years.Cost: €150.Website: childrensbadmintoncamps.comBasketballBasketball camps fill up quickly. Photograph: iStock Basketball Ireland is holding its 3x3 and 5x5 National Camps in Co Kildare this year. These camps fill up quickly so book in good time.Location: Clongowes Wood College, Clane, Co Kildare.Dates and times: 3x3: Monday-Saturday, June 29th-July 4th; 5x5: Sunday to Friday, July 5th-10th.Ages: 12-17 years.Cost: €700 (+ booking fee).Website: ireland.basketball/nationalcampBigStyle SUPBigStyle Summer Camps in Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin are packed with paddling, games, and adventures in the harbour for kids and teens. Fun, learning and exploration on the water in a safe, supportive environment.Location: Dún Laoghaire West Pier, Coal HarbourDates and times: Monday to Friday, running six weeks over the summer.Ages: 8-15 years.Cost: €185.Website: bigstyle.ie/dublin/Bravehearts @ Trinity SportBravehearts is a multisport camp A multisport camp located in the heart of the city centre, in the Trinity College Dublin campus. With participants split by age into the Bumblebees (4-5 years), Grasshoppers (6-7), Sharks (8-9), Red Hawks (9-11) and Warriors (12-14), the camp offers a wide range of activities, including swimming, rock climbing, football, tennis, hockey, basketball, and arts and crafts.Location: Trinity College Sports Centre, Pearse Street, Dublin 2Dates and Times: Eight weekly camps, from June 29th to August 21st (8.45am-3.45pm each day, with 8am-5pm pre- and post-care services available).Ages: 4-14 years.Cost: €220Website: tcd.ie/sport/childrens-activities/braveheart-campsCamp KilkennyA multi-activity camp that includes arts and craft, team sports, team building, a classic sports day to include the fan favourite egg-and-spoon race, and many more challenges. Location: Kilkenny College.Dates and times: July 13th-17th, 9am-2pm.Ages: 6-12 years.Cost: €115.Website: campkilkenny.ieCastlecomer Discovery ParkThe beautiful Castlecomer Discovery Park has several camps to choose from this summer. Camps are divided by age group (5-8 years, 9-12 and 13-15). Activities include archery, boating, nature trails, bushcrafts, high ropes and outdoor survival skills.Location: Castlecomer Discovery Park, Co Kilkenny. Dates and times: Six camps during July and August.Ages: 5-15 years. Cost: €110-€160.Website: discoverypark.ieConnemara Maths AcademyConnemara Maths Academy features a mix of adventure activities and Steam workshops At CMA Summer Camps students enjoy a mix of adventure activities, team sports and Steam workshops (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths), with a focus on discovery, creativity and adventure. CMA has also developed new workshops including AI modelling and Entrepreneurship.Location: Nestled on the stunning shores of Lough Mask, Clonbur, in east Connemara, Dates and times: June 28th-July 25th.Ages: 7-17 years.Cost: From €155 per week (day/residential options).Website: connemaramathsacademy.comCork CricketCricket camp is a nice way to introduce a child to the game. Photograph: Getty Images A fun-focused camp to help children learn, improve and develop – not just teamwork and co-ordination – but the key cricket skills of batting, bowling and fielding. Popular with fans of the sport, of course, it’s also a nice way to introduce a child to the game. “Smash It” is part of Cricket Ireland’s summer camp programme for younger children, so there are similar camps throughout the island (check out cricketireland.ie/smash-it). Cork County Cricket Club will also offer a skills camp for older children, aged 9-12, for the same dates. For enquiries email youth@corkcountycricketclub.com.Location: Cork County CC, Richard Beamish Grounds, Mardyke, Cork.Dates and times: Monday-Friday, August 10th-14th, 10am to 1pm.Ages: ‘Smash It’: 5-9 years. Skills camp: 9-12 years. Cost: €75.Website: corkcountycricketclub.comDeucepointThe multisport camps return again this summer in five Dublin locations with its all-day camps. It’s a chance for children to try different sports in a fun and laid-back environment, while also learning the ABCs of sport (ability, balance and co-ordination) from an experienced coaching team. All camps have indoor areas.Locations: Sutton, Lucan, Castleknock, Carrickmines and Harold’s Cross in Dublin.Dates and times: Daily, 9.30am-2.30pm, in July and August.Ages: 5-15 years.Cost: €85-€105.Website: deucepoint.ieForest AdventuresA camp for children who love spending time outdoors and learning about nature. Activities including building dens and shelters, setting up swings and hammocks, using stones, sticks and leaves to create crafts, and hiking. On the last day, the children learn how to build and ignite a fire safely. Location: Glencullen Adventure Park, Glencullen, Dublin 18Dates and times: July 15th-17th, 22nd-24th. August 12th-14th, 19th-21st.Ages: 5-12 years.Cost: €100 for three days.Website: forestadventures.ieFota Island AdventureAn adventure camp that boasts an obstacle course, archery range, orienteering trail, survival skills, bushcraft, and more. Set across 24 acres of wild woodland, this weeklong camp is where kids swap screens for real adventure – climbing, exploring, building, getting muddy, finding a buddy and laughs. Day camps and extended camps (for working parents) are also available.Location: Fota Island Resort, Fota Island, Co CorkDates and times: 9am-1pm (or 4pm) Monday-Friday. June 29th-August 28th.Ages: 7-15 years.Cost: €170 (€20 voucher code: KIDZ20)Website: fotaadventure.comGaelic gamesCúl Camps cater to boys and girls on GAA fields in every county. Photograph: Getty Images The biggest summer camp on this little island every year. Cúl Camp coaches cater to boys and girls on GAA fields in every county. The popular camp is focused on fun ways to learn and develop skills in camogie, hurling, football and sometimes even handball and rounders. All participants receive a schoolbag, jersey and half-zip.Locations Camps will take place in all 32 counties. No matter where you live, there should be a Cúl Camp near you. There are even a few camps held overseas.Dates and times: Five days, 10am-2pm, from late June until the end of August.Ages: 6-13 years.Cost: €82.50 for first child; €75 for second; €65 for third. Website: kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ieHike & ClimbHike & Climb camps The goal of the Youth Climbing Camps is to create a space where young climbers can learn new skills and grow in confidence. The Dalkey camps are ideal for those already climbing indoors but looking to move outside on to rock.The Burren camp is a sea-cliff venue and suitable for those with a little more experience. The Inis Mór camp is a remote sea-cliff venue and only suitable for those with outdoor experience. The Glendalough Bouldering meet is ideal for those bouldering indoors and looking to transition to outdoors. Locations: Four locations – Dalkey Quarry, Co Dublin; The Burren, Co Clare; Inis Mór, Co Galway; and Glendalough Bouldering, Co Wicklow. Dates and times: Varying in duration from three-day non residential, to four-five-day residential. June, July and August. Dalkey: June 23rd-25th, July 7th-9th; Burren: July 14th-16th; Inis Mór: July 27th-31st; Glendalough: August 6th-7th. Ages: 12-18 years.Cost: €250-€480. Discounted prices for Mountaineering Ireland members.Website: hikeandclimb.ieHockey ExpressYou don’t need to know your push pass from your drag flick – this is a camp for young players who want to improve their hockey skills, as well as those who would like to try out field hockey. Camps run between three and five days.Locations: Kilkenny, Carlow, Kildare, Offaly, Tipperary, Wexford, Waterford and Dublin.Dates and times: Throughout July and August, 10am-2pm.Ages: 6-16 years.Cost: €75-€115.Website: hockeyexpress.ie/campsJust 4 Fun KidsKeep your children active, engaged and having fun this summer with one of the popular multi-activity camps across Munster. The camps offer a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, with a strong focus on social development, teamwork and communication, aimed at fostering a community where every child feels valued.Locations: Cork, Kerry and Limerick – including Bandon, Ballincollig, Carrigtwohill, Carrigaline, Clonakilty, Glanmire, Kinsale, Mallow, Midleton, Mitchelstown, Ovens, Killarney, Tralee and Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. Dates and times: Five-day camps, 9.30am-3pm, running from late June throughout July.Ages: 5-12.Cost: €125.Website: just4funkidscamp.comKamp KahunaA camp offers a different activity every day – surfing, kayaking, coastal exploring, hillwalking, raft building and beach games. An opportunity to try out a variety of sports with qualified and experienced instructors, and possibly gain a new and healthy interest.Location: Bray Harbour, Co Wicklow.Dates and times: 9.30am-12.30pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the summer.Ages: 8-16 years.Cost: €165 (plus booking fee).Website: brayadventures.ieKillary AdventureKayaking is one of many activities at Killary Adventure Give them a summer of real adventure on the edge of Killary Fjord. These popular residential camps combine kayaking, high ropes, gorge walking and team challenges with a screen-free setting where campers build confidence, independence and new friendships. Options include five- and seven-day Outdoor Ed-Venture, Spanish-language immersion and Teen Wilderness camps. (The Westport train station transfer is timed with the Dublin train.)Location: Leenane, Connemara, Co Galway.Dates and times: Sundays from May 31st to August 16th.Ages: 10-17 years.Cost: From €647.Website: killaryadventure.comLet’s Go!This is one of Ireland’s most popular annual multi-activity sports camps; the action-packed days are long (9.30am-3.30pm), which parents appreciate, and the extensive list of activities includes KMX karting, zorb balling, Interactive X-Wall and assault course.Locations: Nationwide. Most counties have at least one camp this summer.Dates and times: July and August, five-day camps, 9.30am-3.30pm.Ages: 5-12 years.Cost: €132.Website: letsgo.ieMaratachtA marine-focused residential camp for teenagers with water activities and conversational Irish on Ireland’s most southerly island, Cape Clear Island. Activities include marine ecology, social history of human interaction with the sea, climate change issues, kayaking, snorkelling, fishing and SUP – all linked to second level curriculum/UN Sustainable Development Goals.Locations: Cape Clear Island/Oileán Chléire, Co Cork.Dates and times: Residential. Seven or 14 days. Every Sunday from May 31-July 5th.Ages: 13-17 years.Cost: €770.See: facebook.com/maratacht/MoontourTwo weeks of adventure, all as Gaeilge. Kids can immerse themselves in the Irish language through kayak, paddleboarding, yoga and much more. Spórt is spraoi i nDún Laoghaire.Location: Dún Laoghaire Harbour, Co Dublin.Dates and times: Monday to Friday for two weeks, camps in June, July and August.Ages: 10-15 years.Cost: €565.Website: moontour.ieMountain BikingMountain biking camps can be suitable for experienced or novice riders. Photograph: Getty Images Two full days of action in the great outdoors. This camp is for experienced or novice mountain-bike riders wanting to improve their trail bike skills, while blending team work and life skills through forest school teachings such as cooking outdoors and building camps.Location: Ticknock National Mountain Bike Centre, Ticknock, Dublin and Ballinastoe National Mountain Bike Centre, Co Wicklow Dates and times: 10am-4pm daily. June 15-16th, July 13-14th, August 17-18th in Ticknock. June 17-18th, July 15-16th, August 19-20th in Ballinastoe.Ages: 11-15 years.Cost: €150.Website: biking.ieOlympian GymnasticsThese camps keep kids moving, learning, and smiling all day long – whether they’re stepping on to the mat for the first time or perfecting their skills. Activities include games, ninja obstacle courses and bouncy-castle days, goody bags to take home, and, of course, gymnastics, flips and skill-building every day.Locations: Greenhills, Rathfarnham, Naas, Knocklyon, Templeogue and Milltown.Dates: June 29th-August 29th.Ages: 3–16 years.Cost: €85-€130.Website: olympiangymnastics.comPSA Rugby AcademiesThe PSA Academies offer high-level coaching for children dreaming of some day becoming a club, provincial or international player. The development camps see coaches deliver a skills and physical development programme.Locations: Four camps in Ireland – at Cistercian College Roscrea, Co Tipperary; Kilkenny College, Co Kilkenny, Midleton College, Co Cork; and Wilson’s Hospital School, Co Westmeath.Dates and times: Sunday to Friday, residential; and 9am-5pm non-residential. July and August.Ages: 10-16.Cost: €315-€569.Website: psaacademies.comRebelle SurfA five-day surf camp in the stunning and buzzy village of Strandhill, Co Sligo. These camps are jam-packed with fun, excitement and new friends. Listed in the top-10 surf schools in the world by Conde Nast Traveller 2025, Rebelle Surf camps teach your children to surf, and navigate the ocean environment with confidence and awareness. Suitable for beginners to improvers. All equipment is provided – with hot showers and heated changing rooms included. Kids can join for daily sessions if unable to commit to the full week. Location: National Surf Centre, Strandhill, Co Sligo.Dates and times: Monday to Friday, from mid-June until the end of August.Ages: 6-18 years.Price: €140.Website: rebellesurf.comRedhills AdventureThese camps are all about breaking the routine, getting outside and giving kids the freedom to explore, learn, and have fun. Activities include paintball, airsoft combat games, hover archery, berg karting, skill zone inflatables, water fights, foot darts, bushcraft and more. Camps teach kids new skills while having tons of fun in the outdoors.Location: Knocknagalliagh, Co Kildare.Dates and times: During July and early August.Ages: 7-12 years (Junior) and 12+ (Teen).Cost: €110-129.Website: redhillsadventure.ieRip ‘n’ RunA series of basketball camps that promises to coach the game in a method that is fun for players of all ages and experiences. Apart from court games and drills, the weeklong camps also include other elements, such as nutrition talks.Location: St Pat’s DCU, Drumcondra, Dublin.Dates and times: Week 1: August 1st-6th; Week 2: August 6th-11th.Cost: Non-residential: €375 (lunch included). Residential: €615.Ages: Boys and Girls, 11-20 years.Website: ripnrun.comRugbyCatering to player of all levels – from beginners to the more experienced players – these camps are focused on improving rugby skills in a fun, safe environment. And, who knows, the next Jamison Gibson-Park or Beibhinn Parsons may well begin their journey at one of these camps.Locations: Island-wide – with most counties hosting at least one camp. For example, Leinster rugby are running camps in 28 locations.Dates and times: Five days, 9am/9.30am-1pm/1.30pm through June, July and August.Ages: 6-12.Cost: €80-€99. (some clubs are also hosting cheaper one/two/three-day camps). Website: The provinces run the camps in their areas – connachtrugby.ie, leinsterrugby.ie, munsterrugby.ie, ulster.rugbySoccerJohn O'Shea at the launch of the FAI's 2026 summer camps. Photographs: Sportsfile Now in its 30th year, the popular FAI camps catered for more than 35,500 children last summer. There are four four camps: Mainstream (boys & girls); Girls Only; Goalkeeper; and Football For All (additional needs). Great for soccer-obsessed children, the camps, run by the FAI (in the Republic) and IFA (in Northern Ireland), are also suitable for those who want an introduction to the game. Some venues host more than one camp during the summer, so keep an eye on the long list of venues and dates. Children do not have to be part of a club or playing regularly to participate in the camps.Locations: In many locations in every county. Last year, FAI summer camps were held in 340 locations. Dates and times: Five days, 10am-1pm, throughout July and August.Ages: 6-14. (In Northern Ireland, it is 5-11).Cost: €83 for first child (there is a €2 booking fee). £65 for first child in IFA camps.Website: faifootballcamps.ie (in Northern Ireland, see irishfa.com)Soccer StarsSoccer Stars Fun “pressure-free” football classes for children aim to build confidence, sharpen skills and create an environment for kids to make new friends.Locations: Castleknock at Scoil Thomais and Ballinteer at Our Lady’s Boys National School.Dates and times: July 6th-10th, 10am to 2pm, Castleknock. July 13th-17th, 9am to 1pm, Ballinteer.Ages: 3.5-6 years.Cost: €120 per five-day camp.Website: soccerstars.ieSport Ireland CampusRower Fintan McCarthy and heptathlete Kate O'Connor, alongside Finn Elson (9), Alanna McDevitt (11), Robyn Greally (9) and Bradley Gorman (12) in Blanchardstown, Dublin. Photograph: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile Whether your child is a budding Olympian or just bursting with energy, the camps at the Sport Ireland Campus provide a supportive and exciting environment to explore everything from gymnastics and athletics to swimming and team sports. Campers can choose from a wide range of options including multi-sport, gymnastics, aquatics, diving and athletic development camps, all delivered by experienced coaches. There is also an inclusive camp for six- to 14-year-olds (€99 per week), designed for children with additional needs and disabilities to engage in a variety of activities and enjoy being physically active in a supportive environment. There’s even more fun this year with the addition of inflatables.Location: Sport Ireland Campus, Snugborough Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, D15 EPN4.Dates and times: Weekly Multi-Sport Camps throughout the summer starting June 29th. Multi-Sport Camp runs from 9am to 3pm, with extra-time options available from 7.30am to 5pm.Ages: The 10 camp types cater to a wide range of ages, interests and abilities, from three years (Junior Camp) to 17 years (Teen Camps).Cost: Camps range from €60 to €200 per week, with the popular Multi-Sport Camp priced at €132.Website: sportirelandcampus.ieStratford LTCSuitable for beginner and intermediate players in particular, the camps are led by Lesley O’Halloran. A great way to learn and develop skills on the tennis court. Participants will learn essential technique and put it into practice through drills, games and basic match play.Location: Grosvenor Square, Rathmines, Dublin.Dates and times: Junior Camps are weekly through June, July and August – 10am-1pm. Teenager Camp is June 2nd-5th (10am-1pm).Ages: 5-15 years (junior camp), 13+ years (teen camp).Cost: €132 (junior camp), €99 (teen camp), Website: stratfordtennis.ieSurf SchoolUnforgettable memories are made at the stunning Rossnowlagh Beach in Co Donegal. Throughout the week, campers will enjoy surf sessions, beach games and team challenges, ocean awareness and sea-safety skills, and confidence-building coaching. There are also adult lessons at the same time – so the children don’t get to have all the fun.Location: Rossnowlagh Surf School, Rossnowlagh Beach, Co Donegal.Dates and times: June, July and August, Monday-Friday, two hours each day (9am-11am).Ages: 6+ years.Cost: From €150.Website: rossnowlaghsurfschool.comTennis CampFormer Davis Cup and Federation Cup captain Owen Casey. Photograph: Tom Honan Owen Casey represented Ireland at three Olympic Games and is a former Davis Cup and Federation Cup captain. These camps are open to members and non-members, and are for all ages and abilities, focusing on everything from basic technique to match tactics, in a fun and friendly environment.Location: Mount Pleasant LTC, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.Dates and times: Four-day and five-day camps, 9.30am-12.30pm – June, July and August.Ages: 5-16 years.Cost: €140-€160.Book: owencasey@iol.ieTrojan Gymnastic ClubThroughout the day at this camp children play games and cover all four apparatus – bars, beam, floor and vault – as well as the trampoline track, and trampoline and foam pit. A great way for young gymnasts to improve on their balance, co-ordination, flexibility and strength – and, most importantly, have lots of fun.Location: Holly Avenue, Stillorgan Business Park, Co Dublin.Dates and times: Five-day camps, 9am-1pm.Ages: 4-12 years.Cost: €208 (Bank Holiday week is €168).Website: trojangymnasticclub.com,IN THIS SECTION