Residential Summer Camp at Ballyhass Mallow

An American-style overnight adventure camp in the heart of County Cork

5 nights in the Bunkhouse Village, with land, water and height adventures by day, evening experiences by night, and a dedicated Camp Counsellor looking after the group all week.

Ages
10 to 17
The week
5 nights, Sunday to Friday
Price
From €650 per camper
Weeks
July and August 2027
CHOOSE YOUR WEEK WATCH THE CAMP FILM
Young people gathered around a campfire at night, one of them toasting a marshmallow
Evenings
Teenagers in buoyancy aids laugh together on a bench by the lake
Friendships
A row of timber pods with dark pitched roofs and numbered doors at the Bunkhouse Village, under strings of festoon lights
The Bunkhouse Village

The week

What a camp week at Ballyhass feels like

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.

  1. Sunday

    Arrive and settle in

    Campers arrive in the evening, meet their Camp Counsellor and the team, get into their groups and ease into the first evening. Some settle in straight away, while others need a little more support. Both are completely normal, and both are well handled by our team.

  2. The days between

    Adventure by day, camp life by night

    Land, water and height activities through the day, three meals a day plus snacks, supervised downtime, and an evening experience every night. Living, adventuring and laughing together helps real friendships form quickly.

  3. Friday

    Home with stories

    Collection day. Campers go home more confident, more independent and proud of what they achieved, with stories they will still be talking about long after camp ends.

A day at camp

The exact schedule can vary depending on weather, group flow and operational planning.

Young people in buoyancy aids jump from the jetty into the lake

  1. 7:45am

    Morning call

    The day starts with a morning call, then breakfast together.

  2. Daytime

    Adventure

    A mix of land, water and height activities, with lunch on site.

  3. Downtime

    Time to recharge

    Supervised time to relax, chat, read or simply take a breather.

  4. 6pm to 7pm

    Phones back

    Phones are kept safely by staff and returned for use between 6pm and 7pm each evening.

  5. Evening

    Dinner and the evening experience

    Campfires, movie nights, bake-offs, night-time paddles and other group evening activities.

  6. 11pm

    Lights out

    Lights go out at 11pm each night, so the camp keeps a steady rhythm all week.

Where they stay

Home for the week: the Bunkhouse Village

Campers stay on site in shared 4-bed bunkhouse pods within Ballyhass's enclosed Bunkhouse Village. The setup is designed to feel sociable, comfortable and well supervised, giving young people the fun of residential camp life while parents know there is proper structure and oversight in place.

  • Shared 4-bed pods. Campers are grouped with others of the same gender and similar age. Single or double rooms are not available for summer camps.
  • Heated pods, with shared showers and bathrooms.
  • Trained overnight staff supporting the residential environment.
  • An enclosed village, with CCTV on site.

Bring a sleeping bag and a pillow. Bedding is not supplied.

More about the Bunkhouse Village

The Bunkhouse Village from the air: two rows of timber pods along a gravel lane, with the lake and the Wakepark beyond
The Bunkhouse Village beside the lake at Ballyhass Mallow
Inside a pod for 4 to 6: three-person bunk beds with sleeping bags on blue mattresses, and a wakeboard against the wall
Inside a pod
Numbered timber pods with dark roofs and porch benches along a paved path, beside a covered walkway
The pods and their porches

By day

Land, water and height adventures

Campers experience a broad mix of land, water and height activities across the week, delivered with a challenge by choice approach: every camper is encouraged, never forced, and supported to grow at their own pace.

Water

  • Kayaking
  • Stand-up paddleboarding
  • Water-based team challenges

Land

  • Archery
  • Team challenges
  • Camp games
  • Outdoor group activities

Height

  • Zipline
  • High ropes
  • Climbing
  • Abseiling
A line of young people in red helmets sit in kayaks rafted together on the lake A row of young archers in helmets draw their bows on a grass field under a blue sky A rider in a helmet and harness speeds down the zipline above the trees and the lake

By night

Evenings that matter

Evenings are a big part of what makes Residential Camp special. Depending on the night, this can include 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.

  • Campfires
  • Movie nights
  • Bake-offs
  • Night-time paddles
  • Group evening activities
The high ropes course in silhouette against a pink sunset sky

See it for yourself

Watch Residential Camp

If you would like a better feel for the atmosphere, setup and overall residential experience, these films are a great place to start.

The camp film

Real moments from Residential Camp: the energy, the friendships and camp life from morning to night.

Parent information webinar

The recording of our parent webinar, for families who want more detail on how the week works.

What they take home

Friendships, confidence and independence

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.

  • 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.

Coming on their own?

Many campers come on their own and settle in very well. Because the week is active, shared and social from the start, friendships form quickly through activities, mealtimes, evening sessions and everyday camp life. Where possible we keep friends together, and groups are organised so they feel age-appropriate.

Teenagers laugh together on a hilltop, with farmland stretching out behind them Two smiling girls in buoyancy aids, one in a helmet, hold up a wakeboard beside the lake

In a world full of too much technology everyone needs to have a week in Ballyhass. Its good for the soul to see teenagers having fun and being themselves.

The week away was fantastic for him to build his confidence and have fun with his pals.

A parent, Residential Summer Camp

Support and safety

Camp counsellors, supervision and keeping you informed

We know residential camp is a bigger decision than a standard summer camp. For many parents, the biggest questions are about how their child will settle, who is looking after them and how they will know everything is going well.

A Ballyhass instructor leads a group of young people across the site

  • A dedicated Camp Counsellor every week

    Each camp week has a dedicated Ballyhass Camp Counsellor who gets to know the campers, keeps an eye on group dynamics, carries out regular welfare check-ins and makes sure every young person feels included, supported and seen.

  • Supervised day and night

    Campers are supervised by the Ballyhass team 24/7, across activities, mealtimes, evenings and the wider residential environment, with overnight staff and dedicated welfare support in place throughout the week.

  • Groups of up to 15

    Group sizes are kept to a maximum of 15, for strong group connection, good supervision and the right level of support.

  • Trained and vetted staff

    Staff are Garda vetted, have completed Child Safeguarding training and are First Aid certified. All instructors complete extensive in-house training each year.

  • Daily updates for parents

    A private WhatsApp Parent Community Channel for each camp week shares daily photos, highlights and updates, so you know how the week is going.

  • A parent webinar before camp

    Join our Residential Parent Webinar around two weeks before the first camp date, or watch the recording on this page.

Ballyhass has been delivering outdoor experiences to groups for over 20 years, and that experience shapes how we run residential camp.

2027 camp weeks

Choose your week

Each week runs from Sunday to Friday, 5 nights at Ballyhass Mallow. The places left are live from our booking system.

Compare camps in the Camp Finder

How booking works

  1. Choose your week

    Pick the camp week that suits you below.

  2. Secure their place

    Pay the deposit and complete the booking online.

  3. Add travel if needed

    Choose supervised travel during checkout.

  4. Get ready for camp

    Join the parent webinar and use the packing list.

Getting to camp

Where camp is, and how campers get here

Residential Camp is based at Ballyhass Mallow, around 45 minutes from Cork City. Drop-off and collection take place here, and it is where campers spend the majority of their time.

Ballyhass Mallow
Cecilstown, Mallow, Co. Cork
P51 N990

Get directions in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

The lakes and grounds at Ballyhass Mallow from the air, surrounded by fields

Supervised travel, added at checkout

  • From Dublin Heuston

    Campers meet Ballyhass staff at Dublin Heuston, travel by train to Mallow, then take the supervised bus to camp. A Ballyhass chaperone travels with them both ways.

  • From Mallow Station

    A supervised bus from Mallow Station to camp on the first day, and back on the last day.

Add travel when you book. Its price is shown at checkout, and our team confirms the meeting time for each journey before camp.

From outside Ireland

Travelling from outside Ireland

Residential Camp welcomes families from across Ireland and Europe. Here is where we are, how families reach us and what booking from abroad involves.

  • Where we are

    Ballyhass Mallow is in North Cork, in the south of Ireland, around 45 minutes from Cork City.

  • Arriving through Dublin

    Our supervised journey starts at Dublin Heuston, the Dublin station for trains to Cork and Mallow, so it also suits families arriving in Ireland through Dublin.

  • By train

    Mallow is a stop on the Irish Rail InterCity line from Dublin Heuston to Cork. Our supervised bus runs from Mallow Station to camp.

  • Through Cork, or by road

    Cork Airport is on the south side of Cork City, and Ballyhass Mallow is around 45 minutes from Cork City by road. Use our Eircode in your map app.

Booking and arrival from abroad

You book online in the same way as any family: choose a week, pay the deposit, and add supervised travel at checkout. Prices are in euro.

Our supervised journeys start at Dublin Heuston and Mallow Station. They do not include airport transfers, so plan your child's journey to one of those points, or to camp.

Before you book, talk to our Bookings Team about your child's journey and arrival. We will help you choose the right option.

+353 22 27773 [email protected]

For parents

If this is their first time away

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.

  • Nerves are normal

    Residential camp is a big step, especially for first-timers. With a clear arrival process, dedicated Camp Counsellor support and a structured first evening, campers are helped to settle in quickly and comfortably.

  • You will hear how it is going

    Parents receive daily updates through the private WhatsApp Parent Community Channel for their camp week, while campers have the space to settle in and enjoy their independence.

  • Less screen time, more connection

    Our mindful phone-use approach helps campers be present, build friendships and fully engage with the week. Phones may only be brought to activities if they are a medical device, or for another essential reason agreed in advance.

Packing in short

  • A sleeping bag and a pillow. This is the most important thing to remember.
  • Two bags: a day bag for the first day (water bottle, waterproof sunscreen, snacks) and an overnight bag for the week.
  • Clothes for active, outdoor and wet days, including a waterproof jacket, swimwear and old shoes for the water.
  • Personal medications in their original packaging.
  • Label everything with your child's name.
See the full packing list

Clothing

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

Toiletries and personal care

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

Gear and essentials

  • Sleeping bag, and a liner if you like
  • Pillow or compact travel pillow
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Small backpack or day bag
  • Dry bag or plastic bags for wet or dirty clothes and shoes
  • Swimming goggles and sunglasses (optional)
  • A book, notebook or cards for downtime
  • Euro coins or pocket money (optional)
  • An optional comfort item from home

Best left at home

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

Questions

What parents ask

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.

What age is Residential Camp designed for?

Ballyhass Residential Camp is designed for young people aged 10 to 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.

Ready to choose their week?

Questions first? Our Bookings Team is happy to help.

CHOOSE YOUR WEEK +353 22 27773 [email protected]