Summer camps are a lifesaver for working parents in Ireland — and a lot of fun for kids. Here's the complete 2026 guide.
Types of summer camps
- Multi-activity: mix of sports, arts and games (most popular under-10)
- Sports: GAA Cúl Camps, soccer, tennis, basketball, rugby
- Arts: drama, dance, music, film-making
- Outdoor adventure: kayaking, climbing, forest school
- Language: Gaeltacht Irish camps, French/Spanish immersion
- STEM: coding, robotics, science
Age groups
Most camps run for 4–12 year olds. A growing number of "junior" camps cover 3–5.
Average costs per week (2026)
- GAA Cúl Camps: €75
- Multi-activity camps: €120–€180
- Specialist camps (STEM, drama): €180–€250
- Outdoor adventure/residential: €300–€500
How early to book
Popular camps sell out by April. GAA Cúl Camps typically open in March. Early-bird pricing usually runs until end of April.
What to look for in a camp
- Garda-vetted staff and low ratios (1:8 is typical)
- Clear drop-off/pick-up times
- Wet-weather plan
- Named contact for parents during the day
Overnight vs day camps
Overnight (residential) camps usually start at 8 years old. Most Irish families stick with day camps until secondary school age.
What to pack
- Named water bottle, packed lunch and snacks
- Sun cream and sun hat (yes, in Ireland)
- Rain jacket and a spare change
- Runners with grip
Insurance and safety questions
Ask for the camp's public liability insurance, staff:child ratios, first-aid trained staff on site, and their child-protection policy.
Search summer camps near you on Crechely.