If you’ve been thinking about sending your child or teen to a residential summer camp, we’re here to help you weigh it up.
Sleepaway camp isn’t as common in Ireland as it is in places like the USA, but more Irish families are giving it a go every year — and there are some brilliant benefits to a bit of time away from home. Kids come back more independent, more confident, and usually full of stories about new friends and new skills.
We’ve rounded up some of the residential camp options around Ireland for tweens and teens. There’s fun guaranteed with these sleepaway camps in Ireland.
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Watch our video below for a flavour of what residential summer camp life in Ireland can look like:
What is a sleepaway camp, and why consider one?
A sleepaway (or residential) camp is exactly what it sounds like — your child stays overnight, usually for anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, taking part in activities, meals and evening entertainment away from home. It’s a big step for a lot of families, but it can be a hugely rewarding one: kids build resilience, try new things without a parent hovering, and form friendships that often last well beyond the summer.
Here are some of the places around Ireland offering sleepaway camp options. Dates and booking windows vary from camp to camp and change year to year, so always check each provider’s own website for the latest availability before you book.
Killary Adventure Company, Galway
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Killary Adventure Company offers residential Multi-Activity, Camping Expedition and Spanish Summer Camps that give your child or teen a real taste of the Irish outdoors. Camps run for 5, 7 or 14 days for ages 10–16, generally across the summer months, with activities including kayaking, gorge walking, climbing and abseiling, the Burma Bridge, and their well-known Turf Challenge (as seen on Ireland’s Fittest Family).
Delphi Adventure Summer Camps, Co. Galway
Delphi Resort is one of Ireland’s leading adventure resorts, and a residential stay here is the kind of experience kids tend to remember for years. Campers aged 10–17 take part in a mix of challenging and fun outdoor activities in a supervised setting, with 5-day or 7-day camps available.
Expect zip-lining, climbing, kayaking and plenty more, along with new friendships along the way. Delphi says safety is a top priority: children are fed three times a day, given all necessary safety equipment at no extra cost, and supervised around the clock by trained, Garda-vetted staff.
Teenage Stage International Summer School, Kildare and Dublin
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Teenage Stage offers bespoke, high-quality residential courses in Musical Theatre, Acting for the Screen and Film for 11–19 year olds. From “page to stage” and “script to screen,” each programme is tailored to give young performers and filmmakers a genuine creative journey.
Courses are kept small and friendly, giving students a full drama or film-school style experience, complete with guest workshops, masterclasses and evening activities outside rehearsal time. Camps typically run in July — check the Teenage Stage website for current course dates, as these are confirmed fresh each year.
Connemara Maths Academy, Meath and Tipperary
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At CMA Summer Camps, students get an engaging mix of STEAM workshops (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Maths), adventure activities and team sports, with a focus on discovery, creativity and adventure. Camps have been held at boarding schools including Rockwell College in Co. Tipperary and Headfort School in Co. Meath, and typically run over July and August. All Irish and international boys and girls aged 7–17 are welcome.
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Art on the Farm at Cow House Studios, Wexford
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Art on the Farm is a unique summer programme for high school students aged 15–17 with an interest in visual art. Over roughly four weeks, students study drawing, painting and photography alongside practising visual artists in a focused, intimate studio setting, usually running from late June into July.
Students of all skill levels get personal attention and guidance, and are encouraged to experiment beyond their usual boundaries and explore new ways of relating ideas to their chosen medium. By the end of the programme, students come away with strong portfolio pieces suitable for advanced placement or college applications.
Inside Out Camp, Dublin
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Inside Out is an immersive residential camp for 12–15 year olds, offering a balance of physical, mental and creative challenges. It takes place at St. Columba’s College at the foothills of the Dublin mountains, usually across two one-week sessions in July, led by experienced camp leaders who create a fun atmosphere and encourage teens to bring out their best.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What age is right for a residential summer camp?
Most residential camps in Ireland cater to children from around age 7 upwards, though many are aimed specifically at tweens and teens (10–17). The right age really depends on your child’s confidence and readiness to be away from home — some children are ready at 9 or 10, while others do better waiting a year or two.
Are sleepaway camps in Ireland supervised?
Reputable residential camps provide overnight supervision from trained staff throughout a child’s stay. Exact staffing ratios, vetting procedures and safety measures vary by provider, so it’s always worth asking the camp directly about their specific supervision arrangements before booking.
How do I choose the right residential camp for my child?
Think about your child’s interests first — outdoor adventure, drama, art or academic subjects like maths and STEM all have dedicated camp options in Ireland. Also consider the length of stay, the age range catered for, and how far it is from home, especially for a first time away.
Do residential camps provide meals?
Yes, meals are generally included as part of a residential camp stay, along with accommodation and all planned activities. Specific meal arrangements and any dietary accommodations are best confirmed directly with the camp when booking.
When should I book a sleepaway camp?
Popular residential camps in Ireland can fill up early, particularly for peak July dates, so it’s worth checking each provider’s website in spring for that year’s booking windows and availability.
Related Articles
- Top Summer Camps for Teens in Ireland
- 30 Terrific Things to Do in Dublin for Teens
- Why Send Your Teen to the Gaeltacht
Save This for Later
Planning summer camps takes a bit of research, so why not bookmark this page or share it with another parent who’s weighing up residential camp options this year? You can also browse our full collection of summer camp guides for more ideas across Ireland.
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