We’re excited to announce the launch of our first ever Silver Gaisce Adventure Journey at Ballyhass.
Taking place from 7th–9th April, during the Easter school holidays, this fully approved Silver Gaisce Adventure Journey is designed for young people who have already completed their Bronze Gaisce and are working towards their Silver Award.
Based at Ballyhass Mallow, Cork, this 3-day, 2-night outdoor journey combines hiking, kayaking and meaningful outdoor learning, all delivered in a fully supervised and supported environment.
This programme has been developed in collaboration with Gaisce – The President’s Award and meets all requirements for the Silver Gaisce Adventure Journey.
Who Is This For?
This Adventure Journey is open to participants who:
- Have completed their Bronze Gaisce
- Are completing their Silver Gaisce Award
- Are looking for a fully supervised, Gaisce-approved Adventure Journey
- Want to take part as an individual or come as a group
Bronze vs Silver Gaisce – What’s Different?
Many participants complete their Bronze Gaisce through school as part of a group. Silver Gaisce, however, is often completed individually, which can make organising an Adventure Journey more challenging.
This Ballyhass programme provides a ready-made solution — offering a structured, supported and approved Adventure Journey for individuals completing their Silver Award.
Do Participants Need a President’s Award Leader (PAL)?
No — this is a fully supervised Silver Gaisce Adventure Journey, delivered by Ballyhass’ qualified and experienced outdoor instructors. Because the journey is organised and supervised by Ballyhass, participants do not need to source their own President’s Award Leader (PAL).
This makes the Adventure Journey more accessible for individuals completing Silver Gaisce outside of a school setting.
What the Adventure Journey Involves
Over three days, participants will take part in:
- Two days of hiking
- One day of kayaking on the Lee Valley at our Coachford site
Evenings are a key part of the journey and focus on learning, preparation and teamwork. Each evening, participants will:
- Prepare for the following day’s expedition
- Learn journey planning, group management and outdoor skills
- Prepare food together
- Take part in outdoor education sessions, including a wilderness first aid course
This experience is designed to help participants build confidence, independence, and practical, real-world outdoor skills — not just complete the required distance.
Accommodation & Supervision
Participants will stay onsite at Ballyhass Mallow for two fully supervised nights.
- Accommodation is included
- Shared bunk-style accommodation (4 participants per room)
- Supervised overnight by the Ballyhass team
Safety, support and wellbeing are at the core of this programme, with experienced instructors supporting participants throughout the entire journey.
What’s Included
The total cost is €275, which includes:
- 3 days of guided adventure journeying
- 2 nights accommodation at Ballyhass Mallow
- 2 evenings of outdoor educational activities
- All meals throughout the stay
- Bus transfers to and from expedition locations
- Plus a fun signature Ballyhass adventure activity to enjoy at the end of the trip!
Optional return transfer is available from Mallow Train Station on the morning of 7th April and the evening of 9th April for €40pp.
Booking & Enquiries
Bookings and payments are managed directly by the Ballyhass team.
Participants can book and pay via our Stripe link:
For more information, our coordinators Ciara and Yoama are happy to help — just give us a call on 022 27773 or reach out via email [email protected]
A Meaningful Silver Gaisce Experience
At Ballyhass, we believe the Silver Gaisce Adventure Journey should be about more than completing a requirement. This programme is designed to support young people in developing confidence, independence and a deeper connection to the outdoors — all within a safe, structured and encouraging environment.