Burren Outdoor Education Centre - Summer Day Camp

The Burren Outdoor Education and Training Centre runs multi-activity summer day camps for children aged 8 to 11, set on the shores of Bellharbour in north Clare. These are proper outdoor days - no screens, no classrooms - six hours in one of Ireland’s most distinctive landscapes. If your child is curious about the natural world and happy getting muddy, this is the kind of week they will still be talking about in September.

What to expect

Each day runs from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Activities rotate through the week and include raft building on the water, orienteering across the Burren limestone, seashore and rockpool exploration, ecology walks, and team challenges. The centre keeps numbers deliberately small - a maximum of 28 children per session - so instructors can give proper attention out on the terrain.

The venue sits at Turlough, Bellharbour, with the Atlantic on one side and the grey-paved karst of the Burren on the other. Staff are experienced outdoor educators, and TripAdvisor reviewers consistently rate them highly for being knowledgeable and easy with children. Bring a good packed lunch, drinks, and snacks. Wear layers and clothes you don’t mind getting wet - the seashore sessions are hands-on.

The July session covering this date runs 7 to 9 July, with a further session 21 to 23 July. Check burrenoec.com for August dates. A separate residential camp is also available for ages 12 to 16 at €325 per person.

Getting there

Bellharbour sits on the N67 coast road in north Clare, roughly 10km east of Ballyvaughan and about 55km north of Ennis. From Galway city it is around 45 minutes via Kinvara. Car parking is at the centre; there is no practical public transport to Bellharbour.

While you’re in Ballyvaughan

Ballyvaughan village, a short drive west along the N67, is a good base - there are cafes, a pier, and easy access to the Burren National Park. The Aillwee Caves and the Cliffs of Moher are both reachable as day trips. There is more to see in Ballyvaughan and across Co. Clare.

Good to know

• Date: week of 7 July 2026 (also 21-23 July and further August dates)
• Time: 10am to 4pm daily
• Price: from €120 per child (ages 8-11)
• Booking: download the form at burrenoec.com/summer-camps/ or call 065 707 8066 (weekdays, 9am-5pm)
• Group size: maximum 28 children per session
• What to bring: packed lunch, drinks, snacks, and weatherproof layers