Sports summer camps 2025: More than 30 ways to keep the kids outside and active

Irish Times

2 days ago

Summer camps can be one of the best things about June, July and August. And the children seem to like them too!
For
parents
, the camps can be a necessary way to keep the kids occupied, entertained and, often, just as importantly, out of the house.
The downside can be the cost – camps can be very expensive. Additionally, in terms of camp hours, the daily distraction offered by some can be quite short.
For children, though, they can help build confidence, develop skills, encourage independence, discover passions, make and reinforce friendships, and much more.
READ MORE
This summer, parents are looking for tips, advice and information on how to help their children thrive during the holiday months. You can read all about it at irishtimes.com/health/your-family
Whatever the reason for choosing a summer camp, picking ones that are suited to your child is important. To help, we have included here some of the best camps available this summer below. This one is primarily concerned with camps that are, at least significantly, about being outside and active.
For our pick of non-sports related summer camps (including dance, languages, robotics, etc)
click here.
Hopefully, in our guide to sports-related camps in Ireland this summer below, you and yours will find something that catches your interest.
Alive Outside
A popular adventure camp, which includes bubble football, archery and laser tag, new for 2025 is an 'Outdoor Survival Adventure' – which features atlatl spear throwing, knot tying, shelter building, hammocks in the wild and much more. There's also a Splash Zone Camp at the vast Killruddery Estate in early August (think kayaking, water jumps, pontoon chaos, raft building, etc).
Locations:
Killruddery, Bray, Co Wicklow and The High School, Rathgar, Dublin 6.
Dates and times:
Five-day camps through July and August.
Ages:
7-13 years.
Cost:
From €175 for five-day camp. (three-day teen camp - 12–15 years - is €99).
Website:
aliveoutside.ie
Astro Park
A multi-activity outdoor camp, with activities including bubble football, Nerf AstroWars and giant inflatables. If you don't know what some of those things are, just ask your child. The focus is on 'creating safe, energetic and unforgettable days they'll be buzzing about for weeks'.
Locations:
Tallaght and Coolock, Dublin.
Dates and times:
9am-3pm, eight weeks through July and August.
Ages:
Boys and girls, 5-12 years.
Cost:
€110 for five-day camp and €90 for four-day camp.
Website:
astropark.ie
Athletics Ireland
Camps offer a setting for children to try athletic disciplines – either for the first time or to improve their skills. The participants get the opportunity to try activities such as sprinting, javelin throwing, hurdles, shot putt, long jump and relays, along with lots of fun games for children to develop their fundamental movement skills of agility, balance and co-ordination.
Locations:
At least one venue in almost every county, from Milford AC, Co Donegal to Ferrybank AC, Co Waterford.
Dates and times:
Five-day camps, 10am-2pm, through July and August.
Ages:
6-12 years
Cost:
€75.
Website:
athleticsireland.i
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Badminton
Mark 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 perhaps this is 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:
Two camps, each five days, 10am-2pm – Monday-Friday, July 7th-11th and Monday-Friday, August 18th-22nd.
Ages:
7-17.
Cost:
€150.
Website:
childrensbadmintoncamps.com
Basketball
Basketball Ireland is returning to University of Limerick this summer to host the third 3x3 focused residential camp, while the 2025 National Camp takes place this year in Clongowes Wood College. These camps book up quickly each year.
Location:
University of Limerick and Clongowes Wood College, Clane, Co Kildare.
Dates and times:
UL (June 21st-26th). Clongowes (Week 1: June 30th to July 5th. Week 2: July 6th-11th).
Ages:
12-17 years. (13+ for UL).
Cost:
€600 (+ booking fee).
Website:
ireland.basketball/nationalcamp
Bravehearts @ Trinity Sport
With the group split by age into the Bumblebees (4-5), Grasshoppers (6-7), Sharks (8-9), Red Hawks (9-10) and Warriors (11-14), the camp offers a range of activities, including swimming, rock-climbing, football, tennis, hockey, basketball, arts and crafts. A camp to keep children engaged and entertained in the heart of Dublin city centre.
Location:
Trinity College Sports Centre, 43 Pearse Street, Dublin 2
Dates and Times:
Eight weekly camps, from June 30th to August 22nd. 9am-4pm each day (with pre and post care on request).
Ages:
4-13 years.
Cost:
€220 (non-members), €190 (members).
Website:
tcd.ie/sport/childrens-activities
Camp Kilkenny
A 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 14th-18th, 9am-2pm.
Ages:
6-12 years.
Cost:
€115.
Website:
www.campkilkenny.ie
Castlecomer
The Castlecomer Discovery Park is a gem in Co Kilkenny. There are several camps to choose from, depending on age. There are two camps for five- to eight-year-olds, with activities including archery, boating, adventure course and bushcrafts. There are also two camps for nine- to 12-year-olds which promise a climbing wall, skywalk, octagon and raft building. The camps for 13- to 15-year-olds include axe throwing, survival skills and a zip line.
Location:
Castlecomer Discovery Park, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny.
Dates and times:
Six camps during July and August.
Ages:
5-15 years.
Cost:
€95-€140.
Website:
discoverypark.ie
Connemara Maths Academy
Although there is a strong emphasis on Steam (science, technology, engineering, arts & maths), there is also time for adventure activities and team sports with a focus on discovery, creativity and adventure. The 2025 programme includes high ropes, zip lines, river kayaking, archery, water polo (in an indoor swimming pool), basketball and football.
Location:
Cistercian College, Roscrea, Co Tipperary.
Dates and times:
June 22nd-July 25th.
Ages:
6-17 years.
Cost:
From €319 per week (Day/Residential options).
Website:
connemaramathsacademy.com
Cork Cricket
A 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, so there are similar camps throughout the island (check out
cricketireland.ie/smash-it
).
Location:
Cork County CCC, Richard Beamish Grounds, Mardyke, Cork.
Dates and times:
Monday-Friday, July 14th-18th - 10am to 1pm.
Ages:
5-9 years.
Cost:
€90.
Website:
corkcountycricketclub.com
Deucepoint
Deucepoint Multisport Camps return again this summer in four Dublin locations with its all-day camps. It's a chance for children to try their hand at 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:
Chapelizod, Castleknock, Carrickmines and Harold's Cross in Co Dublin.
Dates and times:
Daily, 9.30am-2.30pm, in July and August.
Ages:
5-15 years.
Cost:
€100.
Website:
deucepoint.ie
DSD Camps
Activities include high jump, race walking, long jump, javelin, hurdles and shot put. There are also special programmes designed for teenage athletes.
Location:
DSD Athletics Sports Campus, Tibradden Road, Taylorsgrange, Dublin 16.
Dates and times:
9am-3pm each day, five weeks in July and early August.
Ages:
7-16 years.
Cost:
€160.
Website:
dsdcamps.ie
Forest Adventures
A perfect camp for children who love the outdoors and learning about nature. This camp is about building dens, making fire, hiking and much more. There is also tree climbing and digging in the giant sandpit.
Location:
Glencullen Adventure Park, Glencullen, Dublin 18
Dates and times:
Wednesday to Friday, running for six weeks over the summer.
Ages:
5-12 years.
Cost:
€100.
Website:
forestadventures.ie
Fota Island Adventure
Get ready for the ultimate adventure camp where 'every day is packed with excitement'. Dive into the obstacle course, take aim at the archery range, go on adventure quests and orienteering missions and cool off during inflatable water days. Build shelters like a wilderness pro on 'FryDays' (cookery course included), dodge and weave games of dodgeball and human foosball, gear up for a showdown in Battle Royale and enjoy blending into the great outdoors in 'find the sniper'. This is a a kid's paradise. Available as a day camp too.
Location:
Fota Island Resort, Tullagreen, Co Cork
Dates and times:
Four hours each day for five days, through July and August.
Ages:
7-15 years.
Cost:
€175.
Website:
fotaadventure.com
Gaelic Games
Catering for the beginner as well as the sports-obsessed child can be tricky. Cúl Camp coaches cater for both, boys and girls, during the summer on GAA fields. The popular camp is focused on fun ways to learn and develop skills in camogie, hurling, football, handball and rounders. All participants receive a school bag, jersey and half-zip delivered to their home.
Locations
Camps will take place in all 32 counties. No matter where you live, if you are on the island, there is 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.ie
GAP
Everything you need as a kid to try mountain biking for the first time. This is for complete beginners, with a high-spec bike, safety gear and a certified bike coach all provided. There will be 16 children in each group, so it's a great way to make friends and get into the sport. There is also an 'advanced' camp available on the same dates – for children of 'intermediate ability', who want to gain knowledge on mastering mainly blue-trail features (with some red).
Locations:
Ballybrack, Glencullen, Co Dublin.
Dates and times:
July 30th, 31st; August 1st, 6th, 7th, 8th. 9.30am-11,30am, 1.30pm-3.30pm.
Ages:
12+ years.
Cost:
€35 euro per each two-hour slot.
Website:
thegap.ie
Hike & Climb
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. Burren, June 17th–19th; Dalkey, June 25th–27th; Inis Mór, July 14th–18th; Glendalough, August 11th–12th.
Ages:
12-18 years.
Cost:
From €250. Discounted prices for Mountaineering Ireland members.
Website:
hikeandclimb.ie
Hockey Express
You 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.
Locations:
Counties Kilkenny, Carlow, Kildare, Offaly, Tipperary, Wexford and Waterford.
Dates and times:
Throughout July and August, 10am-2pm.
Ages:
6-16 years.
Cost:
€50 - €115.
Website:
hockeyexpress.ie/camps
Just 4 Fun Kids
These multi-activity camps in several locations around Munster are focused on keeping children engaged and active – indoors and outdoors. The camps prioritise 'social development, teamwork and communication, fostering a community where every child feels valued'.
Locations:
Several locations in Cork, Kerry and Limerick – including Bandon, Carrigaline, Clonakilty, Donoughmore, Kanturk, Killarney, Kinsale, Limerick City, Midleton, Mitchelstown and Tralee.
Dates and times:
Five days, 9.30am-3pm daily, throughout July
Ages:
5-12.
Cost:
€120.
Website:
just4funkidscamp.com
Killary Adventure
Action-packed summer camps on the edge of Connemara that combine land and water adventures – such as kayaking, high ropes and gorge walking – with outdoor learning and team challenges. Campers can also opt for Spanish-language immersion weeks or a wilderness-style teen experience – building confidence and independence in a screen-free, nature-first environment.
Location:
Leenane, Connemara, Co Galway.
Dates and times:
Five- and seven-day residential camps and daily multi-activity camps from June 1st to August 17th.
Ages:
8-17 years.
Cost:
From €79 (daily camp), €630 (five- and seven-day residential), and from €1,238 (seven-day wilderness camp).
Website:
killaryadventure.com
Let's Go!
One of the most popular annual multi-activity sports camps, the action-packed days are long (six hours) – which parents appreciate. There's a long list of activities – including KMX karting, zorb balling, arts and crafts, assault course, unihoc and foot golf. The camps are about making friends and having fun.
Locations:
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:
€130.
Website:
letsgo.ie
Maratacht
A marine-focused residential camp for teenagers with water activities and conversational Irish on Ireland's most southerly 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, west Cork/Oileán Chléire.
Dates and times:
Residential. Seven or 14 days. Every Sunday from June 8th - July 6th.
Ages:
13-17 years.
Cost:
€765.
Website:
maratacht.ie
Olympian Gymnastics
Dive into the world of fun and embark on an gymnastics adventure with a diverse range of camps in Dublin and Kildare. Whether you're a seasoned gym star or eager to explore something new, the inclusive camps are tailored for everyone.
Locations:
Seven venues – Greenhills, Rathfarnham, Naas, Knocklyon, Templeogue, Milltown and Ballinteer.
Dates and times:
Eight weeks through July and August, 9.30am-1.30pm daily.
Ages
3-16 years.
Cost:
€85-€130.
Website:
olympiangymnastics.com
PSA Rugby Academies
Increasingly popular camps, the PSA Academies offer high-level coaching for children dreaming of some day becoming a club, provincial or international player. The development camps see coaches from the pro-rugby game 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 Wesley College, Co Dublin.
Dates and times:
For Irish camps: Sunday to Friday, residential; and 9am-5pm non-residential. July and August.
Ages:
10-16.
Cost:
€270-€550.
Website:
psaacademies.com
Rebelle Surf
A five-day surf camp in the beautiful location of Sligo's Strandhill. There are 2½ hours of camp every day, with all equipment provided. Rebelle Surf teaches your kids to surf, enjoy and navigate the ocean waves and shores safely with confidence, awareness and respect for the water.
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.com
Redhills Adventure
Choose from junior or teen camps. Camps include junior paintball or airsoft combat games, hover archery, berg karting, skill zone inflatables, water fights, foot darts, bushcraft and loads more. Camps teach kids new skills while having tons of fun in the outdoors.
Location:
Knocknagalliagh, Co Kildare.
Dates and times:
Three- and four-day camps, during July and early August.
Ages:
7-12 years (Junior) and 12-17 (Teen).
Cost:
€100 (€85-€110 for Teen Camp).
Website:
redhillsadventure.ie
Rip 'n' Run
Set up in 1998, this is a series of basketball camps – residential and non-residential – for players of all ages. Apart from lots of court games and drills, the week-long camps also include other interesting parts to it, such as nutrition talks.
Location:
St Pat's DCU, Drumcondra, Dublin
Dates and times:
Two weeks in August.
Cost:
From €355 (non-residential).
Website:
ripnrun.com
Rugby
Catering 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 Tadhg Beirne or Aoife Wafer 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. Campbell College, Belfast, is also hosting several residential camps (separate ones for girls and boys).
Ages:
6-12.
Cost:
€80-€95. (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
,
ulsterrugby.com
Rugby Academy Ireland
These academy weeks are designed for highly motivated and age-grade representative players. They are most suited to players who have prior high-level rugby experience and who want to train in a high-performance environment.
Locations:
Three camps in Ireland – Stradbally Hall, Co Laois; Kilkenny College, Co Kilkenny; Midleton College, Co Cork.
Dates and times:
Sunday to Sunday residential, 9am-5pm non-residential. July and August.
Ages:
16-18 years.
Cost:
From €550.
Website:
rugbyacademyireland.ie
Soccer
One of the most successful organisations at distracting children during the summer months, FAI (in the Republic) and IFA (in Northern Ireland) summer camps are a great way for soccer-obsessed children to get their fill of action. The camps are suitable for those who want an introduction to the game too. Some venues host more than one camp during the summer, so keep an eye on the long list of venues and dates. It is also a useful way for clubs to attract new members. Some clubs also do their own thing – for example, Dublin's
Baldoyle United
– so it's always worth contacting your local football club to see what's planned for the summer.
Locations:
In many locations in every single county.
Dates and times:
Five days, 10am-1pm, throughout July and August.
Ages:
6-14. (In Northern Ireland, it is 5-13).
Cost:
€83 for first child.
Website:
faifootballcamps.ie
(in Northern Ireland, see
irishfa.com
)
Soccer Stars
The fun 'pressure-free' football camps in Dublin for very young children.
Locations:
Stillorgan, Monkstown & Stepaside.
Dates and times:
June 7th- 18th, 10am-2pm daily.
Ages:
1.5-6 years.
Cost:
€110 per five-day camp.
Website:
soccerstars.ie
Sport Ireland
Whether your child is a budding Olympian or just bursting with energy, the camps at the Sport Ireland Campus provide a supportive environment to explore everything from gymnastics and athletics to swimming and team sports. The camps include multi-sport camp, gymnastics camp, aquatics camp, diving camp and athletic development camp. There is also an inclusive camp, for six- to 14-year-olds (€90 per week) for children with additional needs and disabilities to engage in different activities and enjoy being physically active.
Location:
Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.
Dates and times:
Weekly Multi-Sport Camps throughout the summer starting July 1st. Multi-Sport Camp runs from 9am to 3pm, with extra-time options available from 7.30am to 5pm.
Ages:
The 10 camp types cover many ages, interests and abilities. Camps suitable from 3 years (Junior Camp) to 17 years (Teen Camps).
Cost:
From €90-€200. The popular Multi-Sport Camp costs €120 per week.
Website:
sportirelandcampus.ie
Stratford LTC
Suitable for beginner and intermediate players in particular, the camps are led by Scott Hubbard. 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:
10am-2pm - three camps in July, one in August.
Ages:
5-16 years.
Cost:
€155.
Website:
stratfordtennis.ie
Surf School
A week at Donegal's Rossnowlagh Beach packed with beach games, ocean safety lessons, and, of course, loads of exhilarating surfing. Sounds like a blast. There is also an adult camp that runs at the same time (so the kids 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.
Ages:
6+ years.
Cost:
From €150.
Website:
rossnowlaghsurfschool.com
Swimming
iSwim Academy is offering intensive summer camps – you can choose between group lessons and private sessions.
Locations:
Club Vitae Tallaght, Liffey Valley & CRC Clontarf.
Dates and times:
July and August (nine weeks).
Ages:
From 4 years (adults lessons also available).
Cost:
From €135 (private lessons) and €65-80 (group).
Website:
iswim.ie
Tennis Camp
Owen Casey represented Ireland at three Olympic Games and is a former Davis Cup and Federation Cup captain, so, well, this is a coach who knows what he's talking about. Still, the camps are for all ages and abilities, from basic technique to match tactics in a fun and friendly environment.
Location:
Mount Pleasant LTC, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.
Dates and times:
Four-day & five-day camps, 9.30am-12.30pm. June, July & August.
Ages:
5-16 years.
Cost:
€140-€160.
Book:
[e-mail]
Trojan Gymnastic Club
This camp works on a range of skills across various apparatus – floor, bars, beam, vault and trampoline track. Skills include handstands, cartwheel, bridges, swinging, dive rolls, etc. Children who are progressing well throughout the week will move on to skills such as handsprings, back bends, bridge kickovers and round-offs. As well as building skills, building self-confidence is top of the agenda.
Location:
Holly Avenue, Stillorgan Business Park, Co Dublin.
Dates and times:
Five-day camps, 9am-1pm. (Early drop-off available).
Ages:
4-12 years.
Cost:
€200 (Bank Holiday week is €160).
Website:
trojangymnasticclub.com
---------------
Read:
Our pick of non-sports related summer camps in Ireland