Summary

Residential Summer Camp, Mallow

  • Contact Us (022) 27773

  • Days 5 nights, 5 days

  • Suitable Ages Ages 10-17

  • Difficulty Challenge By Choice

  • Activity Type Land | Water | Height

Book Now From €640 pp

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Ballyhass Residential Camps

The Flagship Ballyhass Summer Experience for Young People Ready to Grow

You are not just looking for a week to fill. You are looking for something more meaningful - a summer experience that helps your child grow in confidence, make real friendships and enjoy healthy independence in a safe, supportive and memorable environment. Ballyhass Residential Camp is our most complete summer camp experience, designed for ages 10 - 17 and built around adventure, connection, personal growth and parent reassurance.

Book Residential Summer Camp

Optional supervised train pick-up available at checkout.

At a Glance

Ages 10 - 17 years
Duration 5 nights / 5 days
Location Ballyhass Mallow
Experience Residential outdoor adventure programme

What’s Included

Activities Land, water, height and evening adventures
Stay Shared 4-bed bunkhouse accommodation
Meals Three meals daily plus snacks
Support Dedicated camp counsellor and 24/7 supervision

Why Parents Choose It

Transport Optional supervised train pick-up add-on
Updates Daily WhatsApp photos and highlights
Phones Mindful phone-use policy to encourage connection
Reassurance On-site team support day and night

Confidence Through Safe Adventure

Every camper gets the chance to try new things, take on healthy challenges and build real self-belief through structured land, water and height-based activities delivered with a challenge by choice approach.

Real Friendships Beyond Screens

Residential camp gives young people the chance to switch off from constant screen time, settle into their group and build the kind of friendships, laughter and shared memories that only come from real adventure together.

An Experience That Stays With Them

More than just a fun week away, this is a camp designed to help young people return home more confident, more independent and proud of what they achieved.

The Ballyhass Summer Camp to Aspire To

Finding the right camp is not just about keeping them busy. It is about choosing a week that helps them grow. Ballyhass Residential Camp is designed for families looking for something more complete - a higher-trust, more immersive summer experience that combines adventure, friendship, structure and support in one unforgettable week.

The plan is simple. Book their place, add supervised transport if needed, and let our experienced team guide them through a week of challenge, encouragement and connection. Instead of another summer shaped by screens, routine and missed opportunities to grow, they get a week full of adventure, laughter, independence and stories they will still be talking about long after camp ends.

Support, Communication & Settling In

Supportive for Them. Reassuring for You.

We know residential camp is a bigger decision than a standard summer camp. For many parents, the biggest questions are not about the activities - they are about how their child will settle, who is looking after them and how they will know everything is going well. That is why Ballyhass Residential Camp is built around strong support, clear communication and a team that understands how important those first few hours and first few nights can be.

A Dedicated Camp Counsellor for Every Week

Each residential camp week has a dedicated Ballyhass Camp Counsellor whose role is to support campers and help the group settle in well. They get to know the campers, keep an eye on group dynamics, carry out regular welfare check-ins and make sure every young person feels included, supported and seen throughout the week.

Daily Parent Updates That Matter

Parents are kept connected through a private WhatsApp Parent Community Channel for each camp week, where daily photos, highlights and updates are shared. It gives families reassurance without interrupting the experience, and helps parents feel confident that their child is happy, involved and enjoying camp life.

Helping Campers Settle In Properly

The beginning of the week matters. From arrival and introductions to getting into groups, meeting the team and easing into the first evening, we put real thought into helping campers feel comfortable quickly. Some settle in straight away, while others need a little more support - both are completely normal, and both are well handled by our team.

Because the Best Camps Feel Safe as Well as Exciting

Parents want more than a packed activity schedule. They want to know their child will be looked after by a team that understands people as well as programmes. At Ballyhass, support is not an add-on to the experience - it is part of what makes the experience work.

We know some campers arrive buzzing with excitement, while others arrive with a few nerves. We know parents can feel both excited and apprehensive too. That is why we focus on helping everyone settle, keeping communication strong and making sure the week feels structured, supportive and well supervised from the very beginning.

The result is a camp experience that feels premium not just because of the adventure, but because of the care, communication and confidence behind it.

Adventure, Growth & What the Week Feels Like

A Full Week of Adventure That Builds More Than Memories

Residential Camp is designed to feel immersive from start to finish. Each day brings a balance of high-energy adventure, shared experiences, team connection and the kind of healthy challenge that helps young people grow in confidence. It is not just about keeping them busy. It is about giving them a week that feels exciting, varied, memorable and genuinely worthwhile.

Adventure With Purpose

Every part of the Ballyhass Residential Camp week is designed to help young people step into new experiences, try things they may never have done before and build confidence in the process. Some activities challenge them physically. Others bring the group together. Others simply create the moments they remember most.

What makes the experience different is not just the activity list, but how the week is delivered. Campers are encouraged to push themselves, back each other and take on healthy challenge in a supportive environment where growth happens naturally through doing.

Challenge by Choice, Not Pressure

Not every camper arrives with the same confidence level, and that is exactly how it should be. Some are ready to throw themselves into everything. Others need a little more time, encouragement and trust before taking the leap. Our challenge by choice approach means campers are supported to grow at their own pace, without feeling forced.

That creates a better experience for everyone. It helps nervous campers feel safe, adventurous campers feel stretched and parents feel confident that Ballyhass knows how to build confidence properly, not just talk about it.

Confidence

New activities, new environments and supported challenge help campers build belief in themselves.

Connection

Living, adventuring and laughing together helps real friendships form quickly and naturally.

Resilience

Trying again, pushing through nerves and stepping forward builds strength that lasts beyond camp.

Digital Detox

Time away from screens helps young people become more present, more social and more engaged.

Typical Activity Mix

A Week Packed With Variety

Campers experience a broad mix of land, water, height and evening activities across the week. The exact schedule can vary depending on weather, group flow and operational planning, but the aim is always the same: a packed, memorable week with plenty of variety, challenge and fun.

Water Activities

  • Kayaking
  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding
  • Water-Based Team Challenges
  • Night Paddles

Land Activities

  • Archery
  • Team Challenges
  • Camp Games
  • Outdoor Group Activities

Height Activities

  • Zipline
  • High Ropes
  • Climbing
  • Abseiling

Evening Experiences

  • Campfires
  • Movie Nights
  • Bake-Offs
  • Group Evening Activities

The Kind of Week They Talk About All Year

This is what makes Residential Camp feel different. It is not just one big activity after another. It is a full week with rhythm, challenge, fun and the right support around it. Campers leave with stories, friendships and a stronger sense of confidence, while parents know they have invested in something that delivered real value as well as real fun.

Accommodation, Supervision, Safety & Belonging

A Residential Camp Experience Built to Feel Safe, Structured and Well Looked After

For many parents, this is where the real decision is made. The activities matter, but so does everything around them - where campers sleep, who is there overnight, how groups are organised and whether the whole experience feels professional, safe and properly managed. At Ballyhass, that side of residential camp is taken just as seriously as the adventure itself.

More Than Activities. A Proper Residential Camp Setup.

Ballyhass has been delivering outdoor experiences to groups for over 20 years, and that experience shapes how we run residential camp. We believe in real outdoor experiences, not just pay-and-play activities. Every part of the week is designed to feel purposeful, structured and memorable, with strong systems, experienced people and a real focus on helping young people thrive.

Campers are not simply arriving to try a few activities. They are stepping into a fully supervised residential environment built around adventure, support, friendship and growth - with the standards, facilities and staff to give parents real confidence in the experience.

Professional Adventure Facilities

All Ballyhass activities are genuine adventure activities delivered using professionally installed facilities and equipment. Signature experiences like the Wakepark, Aquapark and High Nets reflect the standard of environment campers step into during the week. We are committed to developing the experience year after year too, so returning campers continue to feel challenged, excited and engaged.

Training, Safeguarding and Staff Standards

All instructors, no matter how experienced, complete extensive in-house training each year to ensure their skills and delivery remain at a high standard. Ballyhass is committed to safety through learning, and that standard runs right through the team. Staff are Garda vetted, have completed Child Safeguarding training and are First Aid certified, helping create a camp environment that is both adventurous and well cared for.

Groups, Friendships and Belonging

We know the social side of camp matters hugely. When forming groups for the week, we make a concerted effort to keep friends together where possible, while also grouping campers by age so the experience feels comfortable and age-appropriate. Whether your child comes with friends or attends on their own, the aim is always the same: to help them feel included quickly and build genuine friendships during the week.

If They Come Alone, Will They Settle In?

This is one of the most common parent questions, and in many cases solo campers settle in brilliantly. Because the week is active, shared and structured, friendships form quickly through activities, mealtimes, evening sessions and everyday camp life. With support from the Camp Counsellor and wider team, young people are helped into the group naturally and confidently.

Designed to Feel Safe Day and Night

Residential Camp is not just supervised during activities. The full experience is designed to feel safe and well managed across the entire week - from daytime adventure to evening wind-down, overnight supervision and morning routines. That structure helps campers feel secure, while still enjoying the independence, fun and friendships that make residential camp so memorable.

The Confidence to Book Comes From Knowing the Whole Experience is Strong

Parents are not just choosing an activity provider. They are choosing the people, systems and environment that will shape their child’s week away. Ballyhass Residential Camp is built to give that confidence - with strong staff standards, proper supervision, a secure and social accommodation setup, and a genuine commitment to helping every camper feel safe, included and excited to be here.

Food, Phones & Practical Questions

The Everyday Details Parents Want to Feel Clear On

Once parents feel good about the adventure, support and accommodation, the next questions are usually the practical ones. What will they eat? How does phone use work? What if they are coming on their own? What if they are a little nervous at the start? Ballyhass Residential Camp is designed to answer those everyday concerns with clear structure, good communication and a setup that helps young people settle into camp life quickly.

Food & Mealtimes

Good Camp Days Need Good Fuel

Residential Camp includes three meals daily plus snacks, helping keep campers fuelled for a full week of adventure, activity and evening fun. Mealtimes are also an important part of the social side of camp, giving young people time to settle, recharge and connect with their group between activities.

For many parents, food is not just about what is provided, but whether it feels organised and well managed. That is why meals are built into the structure of the week and form part of the wider rhythm that helps camp feel settled, supportive and looked after.

Phones & Digital Detox

Less Screen Time. More Real Connection.

Ballyhass Residential Camp uses a mindful phone-use approach designed to help campers be present, build friendships and fully engage with the week. The aim is not to make phone use feel like a punishment, but to help young people step into the experience properly and enjoy the freedom that comes from switching off a little.

For parents, this is often one of the most valuable parts of camp. Instead of a week shaped by scrolling, group chats and distraction, campers get a week of shared laughs, real conversations and proper outdoor adventure.

What if my child is a little nervous before arriving?

That is completely normal. Residential camp is a big step, especially for first-timers. Some campers arrive counting down the days, while others feel a little unsure until they get going. Ballyhass is used to both. With a clear arrival process, dedicated Camp Counsellor support and a structured first evening, campers are helped to settle in quickly and comfortably.

What if they are coming without friends?

This is one of the most common questions parents ask. In reality, many young people come on their own and end up having an amazing week. Because camp life is active, shared and social from the beginning, friendships tend to form quickly through activities, mealtimes, evening sessions and the everyday rhythm of residential life.

Will parents still feel informed during the week?

Yes. Parents receive daily updates through the private WhatsApp Parent Community Channel for their camp week, including photos, highlights and a sense of how the week is going. That gives families reassurance while still allowing campers the space to settle in and enjoy the independence that makes residential camp so valuable.

The Best Residential Camps Get the Big Things and the Small Things Right

Parents should feel excited about booking, not unsure about the practical details. That is why Ballyhass Residential Camp is designed to feel strong in both the memorable parts and the everyday ones - from adventure, friendship and confidence-building to meals, communication, routines and the small reassurances that make the week feel well run from start to finish.

Dates, Pricing, Transport & Booking

Everything You Need to Know Before Securing a Place

Once you feel confident about the experience itself, the next step should feel simple. Ballyhass Residential Camp is designed to be straightforward to book, with clear camp dates, a deposit option to secure a place and optional supervised transport add-ons available during checkout.

Summer 2026 Dates

Residential Camp Weeks

July 5th - 10th
July 12th - 17th
July 19th - 24th
August 2nd - 7th
August 9th - 14th
August 16th - 21st

Drop-off is Sunday evening and collection is Friday evening.

Optional Supervised Transport

To make the journey easier for families, optional supervised transport can be added during checkout. This gives parents another layer of convenience and reassurance, especially for those travelling from further away.

From Dublin Heuston Fully supervised train and transfer option to Ballyhass and back
From Mallow Station Fully supervised transfer option to Ballyhass and back

What the Booking Covers

Ballyhass Residential Camp is priced as a complete experience rather than a base camp with lots of hidden extras. Parents are booking a fully supervised residential week that includes accommodation, meals, snacks, a packed activity programme, evening experiences and strong parent communication throughout.

A Straightforward Booking Process

The plan is simple. Choose your preferred week, secure the place with a deposit, add any transport option needed during checkout, and get ready for the summer. Once booked, families can then focus on preparing for a great week rather than worrying about how the process works.

1

Choose Your Week

Select the residential camp date that suits you best.

2

Secure Their Place

Book with a €100 deposit and complete the booking online.

3

Add Transport if Needed

Choose supervised transport options during checkout if helpful.

4

Get Ready for Camp

Attend our Residential Parent Webinar around two weeks before the first camp date, or watch the videos below to get a feel for how the week works.

See It for Yourself

Watch the Residential Camp Videos

If you would like a better feel for the atmosphere, setup and overall residential experience, these videos are a great place to start. They help bring the camp to life and give parents and campers a clearer sense of what the week feels like before arrival.

Parent Webinar Recording / Extra Detail

Useful for families who want more detail on how the week works and what to expect before camp begins.

Residential Camp Overview

A quick way to get a feel for the environment, energy and overall Ballyhass residential experience.

When the Right Camp Feels Right, Booking Should Feel Easy Too

Ballyhass Residential Camp is designed to feel like a premium decision for a reason. It combines real adventure, strong support and memorable growth with a clear booking process that makes the next step easy. If you feel this is the kind of week your child would thrive in, securing a place early is the best way to avoid missing out.

Final Details

Frequently Asked Questions & What to Bring

Before camp begins, most parents want clarity on the final practical details. This section brings together the key questions we are most often asked, along with our recommended packing list, so families can feel fully prepared ahead of arrival.

What age is Residential Camp designed for?
Ballyhass Residential Camp is designed for young people aged 10 - 17. Campers are grouped in a way that feels age-appropriate and comfortable, helping them settle in well with others at a similar stage.
How many campers are in each group?
Group sizes are kept to a maximum of 15. This helps us create a better camp experience, with strong group connection, good supervision and the right level of support throughout the week.
Are campers supervised at all times?
Yes. Campers are supervised by the Ballyhass team 24/7. That supervision extends across activities, mealtimes, evenings and the wider residential environment, with overnight staff and dedicated welfare support in place throughout the week.
Where do campers sleep?
Campers stay in shared 4-bed pods within Ballyhass’s enclosed Bunkhouse Village. Children are grouped with others of the same gender and similar age. Single or double rooms are not available for summer camps.
What time do the campers go to bed and wake up?
Lights go out at 11:00pm each night, and a morning call is made at 7:45am. This helps create a consistent camp rhythm across the week.
What happens in the evenings?
Evenings are a big part of what makes Residential Camp special. Depending on the night, this can include activities such as movie nights, night-time paddles, campfires and other group evening experiences. These shared moments often become some of the most memorable parts of the week.
Will meals be provided during the week?
Yes. Campers receive breakfast, lunch and dinner on site each day, along with snacks. Mealtimes are built into the structure of the week and form an important part of the camp routine.
What if my child has a dietary requirement?
That is usually no problem, provided we have notice in advance. If your child has a dietary restriction, please let us know during booking and we will work with you to confirm whether we can meet the requirements needed.
Do campers need pocket money?
Pocket money is optional. Meals are included, but campers may wish to bring a small amount for extra snacks or items from the on-site café / tuck shop during the week.
How does the mobile phone policy work?
Our mobile phone policy is designed to give young people a break from technology and help them fully engage with camp life. Phones and tablets are safely stored by staff and returned for use between 6:00pm and 7:00pm each evening. Phones may only be brought to activities if they are being used as a medical device, or for another essential reason agreed in advance.
Can my child attend on their own?
Yes, absolutely. Many campers come on their own and settle in very well. Because the week is active, shared and social from the start, friendships tend to form quickly through activities, mealtimes, evening sessions and the overall camp routine.
Can friends be kept together?
Yes, where possible we make a concerted effort to keep friends together. We also organise groups in a way that remains age-appropriate and balanced for the wider camp experience.
Where is Residential Camp based?
Residential Camp is based primarily at Ballyhass Mallow, eircode P51 N990, which is around 45 minutes from Cork City. This is where drop-off and collection take place, and where campers spend the majority of their time. Campers may also spend some time at our Ballyhass Coachford site.
Is transport available?
Yes. We offer optional supervised transport, including a pickup service from the local train station, and other supervised transport options can be selected during checkout.

Important: Campers Must Bring Their Own Pillow & Bedding

Please note that campers should bring their own sleeping bag and pillow. A blanket is optional, and some families also like to send a liner or extra comfort item. This is one of the most important things to remember when packing.

Our Recommended Packing Approach

To help things run smoothly on day 1, we recommend that each camper arrives with two separate bags. Label everything clearly with your child’s name and pack in sturdy, easy-carry bags.

Bag 1: Day Bag

Your essentials for the first day.

  • Refillable water bottle
  • Waterproof sunscreen
  • Snacks

Bag 2: Overnight Bag

Everything needed for the residential stay.

  • Sleeping bag
  • Pillow
  • Blanket optional
  • Main clothing, toiletries and gear

Clothing

  • 7 x t-shirts / tops, mix of short- and long-sleeve
  • 2-3 x warm layers such as hoodies, fleeces or sweatshirts
  • 1 x waterproof jacket, breathable and good quality if possible
  • 1 x lightweight insulated jacket or gilet
  • 2 x trousers, ideally quick-drying / outdoor style
  • 3-4 x shorts, ideally quick-dry for activities
  • 1 x set of old clothes for muddy or messy activities
  • 2 x swimsuits / swim shorts if possible
  • 2 x pyjamas / nightwear
  • 7-8 x underwear
  • 7-8 x socks, including thicker hiking socks if needed
  • Comfortable trainers
  • Water-friendly shoes / wet shoes / old shoes
  • Warm hat or beanie optional
  • Hat or cap optional

Toiletries & Personal Care

  • Towel, ideally quick-dry
  • Shower gel / soap
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Deodorant, non-aerosol recommended
  • Hairbrush or comb
  • Sunscreen SPF 30+
  • Lip balm with SPF optional
  • Sanitary products if applicable
  • Personal medications in original packaging

Gear & Essentials

  • Sleeping bag, and liner if desired
  • Pillow or compact travel pillow
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Small backpack / day bag
  • Dry bag or plastic bags for wet / dirty clothes
  • Swimming goggles optional
  • Sunglasses optional
  • Book, notebook or cards for downtime
  • Plastic bag for wet shoes / clothes
  • Euro coins / pocket money optional
  • Optional comfort item from home

Not Recommended

  • Personal electronics other than a phone
  • Aerosol sprays
  • Valuables or sentimental items
  • Anything easily broken or difficult to replace

Best to leave favourite or irreplaceable items at home, as active outdoor camp life is not the place for them.

Two amazing

locations

Ballyhass Mallow outdoor adventure centre
Ballyhass

Mallow

See activities at Mallow Find us on Google Maps (opens in new tab)
Ballyhass Coachford outdoor adventure centre
Ballyhass

Coachford

See activities at Coachford Find us on Google Maps (opens in new tab)

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