In today’s always-on world, it’s harder than ever for young people to truly switch off, slow down, and connect — with nature, with others, and with themselves.
At Ballyhass, our Cork-based Residential Summer Camps were created with one clear purpose: to give kids more time, space, and freedom to experience the outdoors in a meaningful, immersive way.
Welcoming families from across Ireland and Europe, our five-day, five-night camp (ages 10-17) offers adventure, friendship and personal growth. Nervous energy quickly turns to excitement, shy introductions become laughter, and new faces turn into new friends. Over the week, campers challenge themselves at their own pace, form real friendships, learn practical life skills, and discover confidence they never knew they had.
Why Choose Ballyhass Residential Camp in Ireland?
Residential camp offers something truly special. Because campers stay on site, they aren’t just visiting Ballyhass — they’re living the experience. Days flow into evenings, activities turn into shared stories, and friendships form naturally through time spent together.
Without daily distractions, going home each day and supported by a mindful phone use policy, campers:
- Settle in, find their rhythm and feel a sense of belonging
- Have a full week to bond and form deeper friendships
- Build independence and self-belief in a safe, supported environment
- Develop a stronger connection to nature through full immersion
- Gain a real sense of ownership over their experience and time
It’s this immersion — the freedom, the space, the time — that makes residential camp so powerful.
See Ballyhass Residential Camp in Action
Words can only go so far. To help families really understand what residential camp at Ballyhass feels like, we’ve shared a short film capturing real moments from our 2025 Residential Summer Camp.
From morning adventures and lakeside activities to campfires, friendships and evening wind-downs, the video offers an honest look at daily life on camp — the energy, the connection, and the confidence-building that happens when kids are given time and space to fully immerse themselves.
Watch our Ballyhass Residential Camp video on YouTube here.
Shoutout to Sean Mc for capturing the energy and the magic. You can check out more of his work over on Instagram: @seans_media // @wake_nyoo
Dedicated Support & Real-Time Parent Updates
Each week has a dedicated Camp Counsellor - a friendly, experienced team member who's there for both campers and parents alike. They spend the week getting to know each camper, carry out daily welfare checks, and make sure every camper feels included, supported and seen.
We know sending your child away for a week can feel just as big an adventure for parents - so staying connected matters. Parents can stay in the loop via a private WhatsApp Parent Community Channel, receiving daily photos, updates and highlights straight from camp.
It's all part of our commitment to communication and care - helping parents feel confident and reassured while their kids are out building confidence of their own.
Activities, Evenings & Downtime
Campers enjoy a daily balanced mix of land, water and height-based adventures - designed to challenge, inspire and support confidence-building at each camper’s own pace.
Daytime Activities:
- Archery, high ropes, zipline, rock climbing, abseiling
- Wakeboarding, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, swimming, aquapark
- Team challenges & collaborative games
Downtime & Rest:
Just as important as adventure is time to rest and reset. Each day includes supervised downtime - time to relax, chat, read, journal or simply take a breather. This balance helps campers recharge, process new experiences and feel comfortable in their own time — especially important during such an immersive week.
Evenings:
- Movie nights and bake-offs
- Campfires and storytelling
- Night-time paddles under the stars on our floodlit lake
Weekly Highlight:
An off-site hill walk, where campers explore the local landscape while learning practical skills such as map reading and basic first aid. A gentle, achievable hike that’s about teamwork, exploration and shared experience - not pushing limits.
For international campers, it’s also a chance to experience Ireland’s rugged countryside in a fun, accessible way.
Challenge by Choice: Confidence Without Pressure
At Ballyhass, every child is encouraged, never forced. Supported, never pressured. Celebrated for trying - not for being the loudest or the bravest.
Growth happens naturally when kids feel safe enough to be themselves.
Mindful Phone Use, Meaningful Connection
We understand that phones can offer reassurance, especially for parents and younger campers. At Ballyhass Residential Camp, we operate a mindful phone use policy — encouraging campers to be present, engaged and connected with the people and environment around them, while still allowing appropriate access at designated times.
The result? More conversation, more laughter, more confidence — and less pressure to be “online.” In most cases, as the week goes on, campers naturally stop looking for them. Parents will have a direct line to our office and camp counsellor.
What's Included & Pricing
Camp Price: €630 per camper
(Secure a place with a €100 deposit and pay the balance later)
The price includes:
- 5 days / 5 nights residential experience in a safe, enclosed campus
- Shared bunkhouse accommodation (4 per room)
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner + snacks)
- All land, water & height activities
- Evening activities
- Dedicated Camp Counsellor & daily welfare checks
- 24/7 supervision with dedicated overnight staff
- Private WhatsApp Parent Community Channel with daily updates & pictures
Getting Here Made Easy
We know travel can be a big consideration, especially for families outside of Crok or visiting Ireland. That's why we offer fully supervised transport options, making Ballyhass a popular choice for families travelling from across Ireland and for international campers arriving via Dublin.
Supervised Transport Options Include:
- From Dublin Heuston: supervised train journey, private bus transfer to Ballyhass, and a dedicated Ballyhass chaperone throughout (€100pp)
- From Mallow Train Station: fully supervised bus transfers to and from camp (€40pp)
From arrival to departure, our team is with them every step of the way.
Residential Camp Dates & Booking
Sunday – Friday
- 5th July
- 12th July
- 19th July
- 2nd August
- 9th August
- 16th August
Secure a place with a €100 deposit and pay the balance later.
Ready to Book Your Child’s Adventure?
Spaces are limited — reserve your spot today and give your child a summer they’ll never forget.
Book Now
Or get in touch:
- Call: 022 27773
- Email: [email protected]
Give your child the gift of an immersive, confidence-building summer at Ballyhass Residential Camp — adventure, friendship, and memories await!