Ireland’s dedication to fostering inclusive and innovative learning environments for children with disabilities is evident in the diverse array of summer camps now available across the country. Building on the foundation of STEM education and inclusive initiatives, these specialised camps are designed to provide engaging, accessible, and enriching experiences for young learners of all abilities. From multi-sensory LEGO® workshops to adaptive sports programs and creative arts activities, these summer camps are breaking barriers and opening new worlds of possibility for children with disabilities. Let’s explore some of the groundbreaking organizations that are leading the way in creating inclusive summer experiences, empowering children to discover their potential, build confidence, and forge lasting friendships in supportive and stimulating environments
Please be advised that I:
- Do not run any summer camps
- Cannot give any advice about where to send children to summer camps in Ireland
- You will need to contact the camps directly to enquire about their summer camps
All Abilities Ireland’s SAGE School provides inclusive performing arts programmes for individuals with diverse abilities, offering a range of creative classes across multiple disciplines. Their stage school caters to children and young adults, providing opportunities in improvisation, creative movement, musical theatre, and speech and drama. Operating in locations including Portlaoise and Tullamore, the school partners with organisations like Dyspraxia Ireland to deliver specialised classes for different age groups and abilities.
Their programmes are designed to build confidence, develop performance skills, and create a supportive, inclusive environment where participants can explore their creativity. With classes ranging from youth musical theatre for ages 5-18 to adult social clubs.
All Abilities Ireland focuses on empowering individuals through performing arts, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can participate and express themselves artistically.
ASD Ireland offers autism-specific summer camps designed to provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for children on the autism spectrum. These camps include sensory-friendly activities such as arts and crafts, movement groups, and gaming sessions, tailored to meet the needs of participants. Camps are held at various locations across Ireland, including Limerick, Galway, and Tipperary. For 2025, camps are scheduled during July and August, with exact dates to be announced soon. Staff are trained to support children with autism, ensuring a positive experience that promotes social interaction, creativity, and fun in a structured setting
Balance Summer Camp is a specialised summer programme located in Ballincollig, Co. Cork, Ireland, designed to support children and young adults with moderate to severe physical and intellectual disabilities. Running for four weeks from July 8th to August 2nd, 2024, the camp offers one-to-one care and a range of inclusive activities at Our Lady of Good Council school, with a daily fee of €25 per child.
The camp is primarily funded through donations, charity shop sales, and camp fees, and operates without state funding. Managed by Carolyn Miller, the camp relies on a team of trained staff and volunteers who are Garda vetted, ensuring a safe and supportive environment that focuses on facilitating fun, respect, and individual development for participants with special needs.
Ballyhass offers a specialised ASD Adventure Camp designed to provide autistic children a safe, inclusive, and engaging outdoor experience. The 3-day camp focuses on creating a structured yet flexible environment where every child can thrive. With a 1:1 instructor-to-child ratio, each child receives individualised attention, ensuring a calm and welcoming environment. Experienced instructors, trained to support the unique needs of each child, help them build confidence and connect with others through activities such as water sports and nature exploration.
With clear routines, visual guides, and plenty of space to engage with nature, the camp offers a fun and enriching opportunity for kids to explore the outdoors, develop new skills, and experience the joy of adventure in a supportive setting.
Ballyhass Adventure Group has two locations, one in Mallow and one in Coachford. Mallow’s ASD Camp will be running from the 19th – 21st August 2025. Due to demand, there will also be an additional one running in Coachford from the 5th – 7th August 2025. Given the 1:1 ratio spaces are limited. To book, contact (022) 27773 to chat with a member of their Operations Team or email info@ballyhass.ie
Barretstown, located in Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, offers free, specially designed residential camps and programmes for children and their families living with serious illnesses. Their summer camps, running from June to August, are tailored for children aged 7 to 15 and are divided into two age groups: 7-13 and 11-15. These 7-8 day camps provide a fully inclusive experience, allowing campers to make new friends and challenge themselves through a range of activities. All meals and accommodation are included, and the camps are entirely free of charge.
Barretstown’s programmes are supported by 24-hour on-site medical and nursing care, ensuring a safe environment for all participants. To apply for a summer camp, parents or guardians need to complete the necessary application forms, which must be signed off by the child’s consultant or nurse specialist. These forms can be sent to Barretstown’s European Family Liaison Department or emailed to families@barretstown.org.
Basketball Ireland offers an Inclusive Basketball Camp designed for children and teens with disabilities. While specific details for the July 29th-31st camp are limited, the camp aims to provide an accessible and supportive environment for participants. Based on the search results, these camps typically cater to various abilities and ages, with clubs like Baltinglass Bulldogs and Portlaoise Panthers demonstrating Basketball Ireland’s commitment to inclusive sports programming. The camp likely focuses on skill development, teamwork, and creating a welcoming space for children with different physical and intellectual abilities
Bricks 4 Kidz Special Needs Camps offer customisable, multi-sensory LEGO®-based programmes for children with special needs, including autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, and physical disabilities. These camps provide a hands-on learning experience designed to enhance creativity, problem-solving, and social skills in an inclusive environment. Available on request across Ireland, they cater to organisations working with children with special needs. Activities are tailored to each group’s requirements, ensuring a supportive and engaging experience. For more information or to arrange a camp, contact Noel Doyle at Imagination House, Wexford Town. Dates and locations are flexible based on organisational needs.
Canoeing Ireland’s inclusive paddling programme, PaddleAble, is a comprehensive initiative designed to promote accessibility and participation in paddle sports for individuals with disabilities and additional support needs. Through specialised workshops, the programme educates instructors and coaches on adapting paddle sports activities, focusing on disability awareness, communication techniques, and safety management. By achieving the Xcessible Bronze Award from Active Disability Ireland, developing disability inclusion resources, and supporting PaddleAble Ambassadors, the organisation aims to create welcoming and adaptable paddle sports environments. Canoeing Ireland encourages local clubs to become more inclusive by providing guidance, resources, and support, ultimately working to break down barriers and ensure that paddle sports are accessible to people of all abilities.
Inclusive Outdoor Adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park offers a range of accessible outdoor activities for children and young people with disabilities. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, the programme provides tailored experiences such as nature walks, obstacle courses, and sensory activities, designed to accommodate a variety of abilities. The focus is on promoting physical activity, social inclusion, and personal development in an encouraging and supportive environment. Trained facilitators ensure that every participant can enjoy the outdoors, build confidence, and develop new skills while having fun.
Delphi Resort’s Multi-Activity Summer Camps in Connemara, Galway, provide an exciting and inclusive outdoor experience for children aged 10-17. Running from 6th July to 8th August 2025, these five-day residential camps include activities such as kayaking, ziplining, archery, and team-building challenges. Camps are priced at €599 per participant, covering activities, accommodation, and meals. Sessions include 6th-11th July, 13th-18th July, 20th-25th July, 27th July-1st August, and 3rd-8th August. Participants enjoy a structured schedule promoting confidence, teamwork, and fun in a safe environment. Bookings require a €250 deposit, with full details available on the Delphi Resort website or by contacting the centre directly.
Dramatastic’s Summer Camps offer children aged 4 to 13 an immersive experience in musical theatre, aiming to build confidence, communication skills, and self-belief through activities like singing, acting, script work, dance, art, and costume and set design. Each camp runs Monday to Friday, 9 am to 2 pm, with free early drop-off from 8:30 am, and culminates in a final day performance based on a musical theme such as “Oliver Twist,” “Mamma Mia,” “Mean Girls,” or “Matilda.”
The camps are led by qualified teachers with expertise in primary and secondary education, ensuring a safe and enriching environment where every child, regardless of their performance experience, is encouraged to shine. For updates on upcoming camps, follow Dramatastic on Facebook and Instagram.
Enable Ireland offers summer camps for children with disabilities in multiple locations, including Nenagh, Kilkenny, Cork, Dublin South/Wicklow, and Meath. These camps aim to create a fun, inclusive atmosphere that promotes each child’s participation, choice, decision-making, and independence. Activities are designed to meet individual needs while promoting dignity and respect. The camps may include sports, adventure activities, and sensory experiences. Enable Ireland also provides workshops for summer camp organizers to promote the inclusion of children with disabilities. Additionally, they offer positions for Summer Camp Support Workers who assist in implementing programs and activities
The FAI Down Syndrome Summer Camp provides a specialized football experience designed specifically for children with Down syndrome aged 6-16 years. Typically held over three days in August, the camp offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage in tailored football training within a supportive and inclusive environment. Professional coaches deliver age-appropriate skill development sessions, focusing on building confidence, technical abilities, and enjoyment of the sport.
The 2023 camp was successfully hosted at Bridge United AFC in Clare, demonstrating the Football Association of Ireland’s commitment to creating meaningful sporting opportunities for children with diverse abilities.
As part of the FAI’s broader “Football For All” initiative, these summer camps represent a strategic approach to inclusive sports programming. The camps go beyond traditional football training, emphasizing social interaction, personal development, and community engagement. While specific dates for 2025 have not yet been confirmed, previous camps have typically run from 10am to 1pm, with a modest participation fee of €30 per child. Participants receive FAI Summer Soccer Schools gear and experience a carefully structured programme that adapts football training to their specific needs. Parents and guardians interested in future camps are encouraged to monitor the FAI’s official communications for upcoming details and registration information.
Festina Lente Equestrian Learning Centre and Gardens , is a non-profit charity located in Bray, Co. Wicklow offers inclusive camps and workshops throughout the year.
On the Equestrian camps participants engage in horse riding group camps tailored to their age and skill level utilising both indoor and outdoor arenas, and as they progress, they have the opportunity to ride on sensory trails designed for beginner riders. For Equestrian camp enquires and bookings email bookings@festinalente.ie
Festina Lente also offers horticultural workshops and camps throughout the year, allowing participants to explore and learn about creative nature-based activities and practical horticulture.
For Gardens summer camps and workshops through the year please email events@festinalente.ie
For learn more about the other programmes and Day services that Festina Lente provide here is the link to their website https://www.festinalente.ie/
The Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps are set to return in summer 2024, offering an exciting opportunity for children aged 6-13 to engage in Gaelic games across Ireland. Various clubs are hosting football and hurling/camogie camps throughout July and August, including Moorefield GAA, Ardclough GAA, and Bantry Blues.
These camps, running from 10am to 2pm daily, provide a platform for skill development, teamwork, and fun, with participants divided into age groups of Under 8, Under 10, and Under 13. The camps, priced at €75 for the first child with discounts for additional siblings, are set to take place at over 1,000 clubs nationwide.
They not only focus on sports skills but also incorporate a nutrition education programme, ensuring a holistic approach to youth development. Interested parents and guardians can register their children through the official website at kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie.
GAP (Galway Autism Partnership) Summer Camps for Kids & Teens are designed to provide a supportive and engaging environment for children and teenagers on the autism spectrum. The camps focus on social skills development, sensory activities, and structured play, helping participants build confidence, independence, and friendships. With tailored programmes to meet the specific needs of each individual, the camps offer a variety of fun activities, including arts and crafts, sports, and team-building exercises. Led by experienced staff, GAP Summer Camps ensure that every child has a positive, inclusive experience while enjoying a range of activities in a safe and supportive setting.
Helium Arts is set to offer an exciting array of free creative summer workshops in 2025 for children and young people aged 6-16 with lifelong physical health conditions. The programme includes both online and in-person options to cater to various age groups and preferences.
Online workshops will run as 4-week Summer Saturdays from 6-27 July for ages 6-8 and 8-12, while ages 13-16 can participate in online sessions on 16, 18 & 20 July7. In-person camps include a Dublin Summer Camp from 16-18 July for ages 8-12, and Easter Camps in Ennis, Mallow, and Nenagh from 15-17 April.
These workshops, led by professional artists, offer creative activities such as photography, puppetry, and animation, with on-site medical support available. Supported conditions include diabetes, epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, and various other lifelong physical health conditions. Interested participants can register by emailing hello@helium.ie or visiting the Helium Arts website
Inclusive Dance Cork (IDC), a pioneering training programme by Dance Cork Firkin Crane, offers comprehensive dance opportunities for individuals with and without disabilities throughout 2024. Running from January to May, the programme features monthly two-day blocks and intensive sessions led by Artistic Director Rhona Coughlan and expert tutors. Participants explore inclusive dance methods through two key modules: “Introduction to Inclusive Dance: Steps Toward Choreography” and “Introduction to Inclusive Dance: Improvisation as a Method for Inclusion”.
The programme, supported by partners including University College Cork and Suisha Inclusive Arts – Cope Foundation, provides free training for participants through Dance Cork Firkin Crane, with optional micro-credits available through University College Cork at a reduced fee of 200 euros. Designed to be inclusive and accessible, the programme aims to develop skills in facilitation, choreography, and collaborative dance practices for practitioners of all abilities.
Inclusive Rugby Camps
The Inclusive Rugby Summer School is a nationwide initiative taking place across all four provinces of Ireland, designed for children and young people with disabilities. This summer school aims to provide a fun and supportive environment where participants can develop rugby skills, enhance their physical fitness, and engage in social activities. With a focus on inclusivity, the programme offers tailored coaching to meet individual abilities, ensuring all participants, regardless of their level, can enjoy the sport and build confidence.
The camp is an opportunity for personal growth, teamwork, and skill development in a welcoming and accessible setting. You can see where your local camp is on the four provinces websites:
The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) is set to host inclusive multi-sport summer camps in 2025, catering to children and young adults with physical disabilities aged 5-17 years. These camps offer a unique blend of sporting activities in a safe, supportive environment, designed to foster confidence and skill development.
The 2025 summer programme kicks off on 10th July, with the highlight being the IWA Sport Members Camp scheduled for 29th July to 1st August 2025.
These action-packed camps provide young members with an exciting opportunity to engage in various sports, develop independence, and connect with peers.
Participants can look forward to a fun, inclusive experience tailored to their individual abilities and interests, all within a framework that promotes personal growth and social interaction.
The Irish National Sailing and Powerboat School, located on the West Pier in Dun Laoghaire, offers comprehensive summer sailing camps for children aged 4-18, catering to all experience levels. Their summer programmes divide children into age groups and skill levels, ensuring a personalised, pressure-free learning environment. Camps run throughout the summer, with options for children aged 4-6 (Sea-Explorers), 7-10, 11-14, and 15-17, featuring activities like rock pooling, marine exploration, and sailing instruction. The school provides all essential gear, including lifejackets and windbreaker jackets, with wetsuits available for hire.
Their camps are designed to be both educational and entertaining, helping children develop sailing skills, confidence, and an appreciation for marine environments. With over 40 years of experience and a reputation for safety and fun, the Irish National Sailing and Powerboat School has trained approximately 170,000 trainees, making it Ireland’s foremost sailing school.
Irish Local Development Partnerships are organising inclusive summer camps across the country, catering to children of various abilities and ages. These camps, often run in collaboration with local sports partnerships and national governing bodies, offer a wide range of activities designed to promote physical activity, social interaction, and skill development.
These programmes aim to create a fun, structured environment that encourages participation, builds confidence, and fosters new friendships among children of all abilities. Here are links to all the local development website where you can find what happening in your area:
- Avondhu Blackwater Partnership CLG – Visit their website here for updates on any inclusive summer camps they may offer.
- Bray Area Partnership here.
- Carlow County Development Partnership – You can check their programs here.
- Cavan County Local Development – Visit this page to inquire about any summer camps.
- Clare Sports Partnership – For more on inclusive activities, visit here.
- Comhar na nOilean CTR – Their website offers information on community programmes here.
- Cork City Partnership – Visit their site for inclusive activities and summer camps.
- Cork Sports Partnership – Check for relevant updates here.
- County Kildare Leader Partnership – Visit their page for more details here.
- County Sligo LEADER Partnership CLG – Their website is here.
- County Wicklow Partnership CLG – More information can be found here.
- Donegal Local Development CLG – Visit their website.
- Donegal Sports Partnership – Visit here.
- Dublin City Community Co-op – For camp information, check out their site.
- Dublin North West Area Partnership – You may find more info here.
- Dublin South City Partnership – Check their website here.
- Empower – More information can be found here.
- Fingal LEADER Partnership CLG – You can find their info here.
- Fingal Sports Partnership – Check here for updates.
- Forum Connemara CLG – For more details, visit their site.
- Galway City Partnership – Their site provides useful info here.
- Galway Sports Partnership – Check their website here.
- Inishowen Development Partnership – Visit here.
- IRD Duhallow CLG – More details available here.
- Kerry Sports Partnership – Visit their site here.
- Kildare Sports Partnership – Information can be found here.
- Kilkenny LEADER Partnership – Visit here.
- Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership – Information can be found here.
- Laois Partnership Company – For camp info, visit here.
- Leitrim Development Company – Visit here.
- Liffey Area Partnership – More details available here.
- Limerick Sports Partnership – Check out here.
- Longford Community Resources CLG – Visit their website here.
- Longford Sports Partnership – More details can be found here.
- Louth Sports Partnership – Visit here.
- Mayo North East – Check their website here.
- Meath Local Sports Partnership – Visit here.
- Meath Partnership – More details on their activities can be found here.
- Monaghan Integrated Development CLG – Visit here.
- NEWKD – For details, visit here.
- North Tipperary Development Company – Information can be found here.
- Northside Partnership – Visit here.
- Offaly Integrated Local Development – Check out here.
- Offaly Sports Partnership – Visit their website here.
- PAUL Partnership – You can find their information here.
- Roscommon Leader Partnership – Visit here.
- Roscommon Sports Partnership – More details are available here.
- SECAD Partnership CLG – Information available here.
- South Dublin County Partnership – Visit here.
- South Kerry Development Partnership CLG – More details here.
- South Tipperary Development CLG – Check out here.
- South West Mayo Development Company CLG – For details, visit here.
- Southside Partnership DLR – Information available here.
- Tipperary Sports Partnership – Visit here.
- Tullamore Sports Club – You can inquire at here.
- Waterford Area Partnership CLG – Visit here.
- Waterford LEADER Partnership CLG – Information can be found here.
- Waterford Sports Partnership – Check their website here.
- West Cork Development Partnership – Visit here.
- West Limerick Resources – For details, visit here.
- Westmeath Community Development – Information available here.
- Westmeath Sports Partnership – More details on their activities can be found here.
- Wexford Local Development – For more, visit here.
- Wicklow Sports Partnership – Check their website here.
Neurodiversity Ireland’s Sensory Centre – an inclusive, child-led, neuro-affirmative space! In keeping with the mission of Neurodiversity Ireland, the Sensory Centre aims to provide a welcoming environment for children with a wide range of strengths and needs.
At the Sensory Centre, activities, games, and experiences are designed specifically for neurodivergent minds to encourage exploration, growth, and self-discovery.
With a nurturing atmosphere, a safe and accommodating environment, personalised activities and experienced staff, we are committed to providing a unique and rewarding experience for every child. We want to build children’s confidence so that they can make genuine connections and participate in life as fully as possible!
Neurodiversity Ireland offers after-school classes, summer and Easter camps, special interest groups such as Minecraft, Art and STEAM.
The Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism, established in 2015 by Karen and Jon O’Mahony, is a professional autism service provider located in Mahon, Cork. The centre offers a comprehensive range of services, including social groups, music, sports, mentoring, professional therapies, and a community café, all designed to support children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. With a dedicated team of over 60 volunteers and various staff members, the Rainbow Club currently supports more than 1,000 families each week. Their mission is to promote inclusivity, education, and career opportunities, enabling individuals with autism to lead fulfilled lives and actively participate in society.
Sailing Into Wellness is a not-for-profit social enterprise that uses the unique setting of the sea to deliver Educational and Therapeutic sailing programmes across Ireland. Combining adventure therapy with experiential learning, participants are empowered to develop personally, physically and emotionally.
Their programmes include Taster-Sails, Day-Sailing and live-aboard voyages. For those with a keen interest in sailing accreditation, Internationally recognised certification can be achieved through their Progression programme. Using person-centred and strengths-based approaches, the focus is to support, empower, foster healing and build resilience.
By collaborating with community-based organisations nationwide, programmes are tailored for a diverse range of individuals, such as those with mental health challenges, intellectual disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, youth support services, LGBTQIA+ and marginalised communities. Sea-based adventure not only provides the obvious physical benefits but also many psychological advantages such as reduced stress, mindfulness, enhanced sleep quality, improved mood and a sense of personal achievement. https://www.sailingintowellness.ie
Special Olympics Ireland offers the Young Athletes Programme, which provides sports and play activities for children with intellectual disabilities aged 4-12 years. The programme is available nationwide through 260 local clubs, offering weekly sports training and coaching tailored to individual abilities. It focuses on developing physical fitness, social skills, and confidence. The community-based, volunteer-led clubs include sports such as basketball, swimming, and other Olympic-type activities. One example is the Rebel Rockets Special Olympics Club in Cork, which focuses on inclusive participation in basketball and swimming. For specific camp dates and local club details, contact Special Olympics Ireland directly.
11.1 Sport Ireland Campus Active Superstars Club.
Sport Ireland Campus offers an inclusive Active Superstars Sports Club for children with disabilities, focusing on developing motor skills, hand-eye coordination, social skills, and confidence. Their Active Superstars Club features activities such as boccia, bowling, boxercise, dance, parachute games, and ball games. The Club ensures a supportive environment with a 1:4 coach-to-child ratio, and all activities are led by trained Active Disability Ireland coaches.
Key features include a strong emphasis on personal development, with a focus on motor skills, hand-eye coordination, social skills, and confidence. The programme takes place at the Sport Ireland National Aquatic Centre, catering to children aged 7-14 years. 11.2: Sport Ireland Campus Inclusive Camps:
Sport Ireland Campus offers inclusive camps for children with disabilities, focusing on developing motor skills, hand-eye coordination, social skills, and confidence. At Sport Ireland Campus Inclusive Camp, the athletes will get to sample a wide range of sporting and physical activities such as Basketball, Football, Rugby, Athletics, Dodgeball, Boccia, Volleyball and Cricket! It promises to be great fun. The Camp ensures a supportive environment with a 1:4 coach-to-child ratio, and all activities are led by trained Active Disability Ireland coaches. Key features include a strong emphasis on personal development, with a focus on motor skills, hand-eye coordination, social skills, and confidence.
Stewarts Care is a voluntary organisation that provides community-based services to individuals with intellectual disabilities, operating from sites in Palmerstown, Balgaddy, and various satellite centers throughout Dublin, Meath, and Kildare. They offer person-centered services tailored to individual needs and promote education, well-being, dignity, health, and happiness. While Stewarts Care provides a range of services, including children’s services, adult services, clinical services, and respite services, their Sports and Adapted Physical Activity Centre offers pool and gym-based activities for all members of the community.
The Stewarts Swim School caters to children from 4 and 1/2 years, teaching them to become competent swimmers through classes that run year-round.
While the search results mention “Children’s Camps”, there is no specific information about summer camps, it may be best to contact them directly for details.
Sunshine House, operated by The Sunshine Fund—a branch of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul—has been providing week-long summer holidays for children aged 7 to 10 from disadvantaged areas of Dublin and surrounding counties since 1935. Located in Balbriggan, North Dublin, the purpose-built facility is a short walk from the beach and offers a variety of activities, including football, play equipment, and a sandpit. Indoor amenities feature a sports hall, concert hall, and a top-tier indoor play centre, ensuring fun regardless of weather conditions. Over the years, Sunshine House has hosted over 100,000 young people, offering them memorable holiday experiences