Kellogg's GAA Cul Camps County Down

Every summer, GAA clubs across County Down open their gates for the Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps - a week of Gaelic games, fresh air, and sport that requires no prior skill to enjoy. Aimed at boys and girls aged 6 to 13, these camps have become a fixture of the Irish summer for a simple reason: children come home tired and happy, and they come back the following year. If your child has never held a hurley or kicked a Gaelic football, that is fine - the camps are built for beginners as much as for kids already playing underage club football.

What to expect

Camps run Monday to Friday from 9:30am, typically finishing around 1:00pm. Each day, coaches work on different aspects of play - Gaelic football, hurling, camogie, and where possible rounders and handball. The approach is games-based and player-centred, meaning children spend most of their time actually playing rather than standing in lines watching drills. By Friday, a blitz brings the week together: small-sided competitive games where children put what they have learned into practice.

County Down clubs hosting camps in 2026 include venues around Downpatrick, Newry, Newcastle, and Bangor. Places fill quickly, so early booking through the official website is strongly advised. The Cúl Camps kit - jersey and bag - is included in the registration fee, which is a reliable motivator for reluctant starters on Monday morning.

Getting there

Camps are held at GAA club grounds distributed across the county. Most families will be driving to a club within reasonable distance of home. Check the Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps booking page to confirm the exact address for your chosen venue, as some club grounds sit a mile or two outside the town they are listed under.

While you’re in Co. Down

The week gives parents a useful morning window - the Mourne Mountains sit close to several camp locations, and Downpatrick holds real pull for anyone interested in early Irish history. There is more to see across Co. Down.

Good to know

• Camps run July and August 2026; first camps begin 1 July
• Hours: 9:30am to approximately 1:00pm, Monday to Friday
• Cost: approximately £80-£120 per child per week (varies by club); family discounts available when booking siblings together
• Book at kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie - select County Down to see all venues and available weeks
• No previous GAA experience needed; Cúl Camps kit included
• Inclusive camps for children with additional needs are available - check the booking page for details