Castlecomer Discovery Park Summer Activity Camps

Castlecomer Discovery Park runs some of the most genuinely outdoors-focused summer camps in the south-east, set across 80 acres of woodland and lake in north Kilkenny. These are not classroom-in-a-car-park camps - children spend their days on the water, up in the trees, or learning fire and survival skills in the forest. If you have a child who finds it hard to sit still in July, this is the kind of week they will talk about come September.

What to expect

The camps are divided into three age bands, and the programme scales up meaningfully as children get older rather than just repeating the same activities in smaller doses.

Five- to eight-year-olds (running 10am to 2pm) take part in archery, boating on the lake, an adventure course, and bushcraft. Nine- to twelve-year-olds (10am to 3pm) move on to the climbing wall, the skywalk, raft building, and the octagon challenge structure. Thirteen- to fifteen-year-olds get a full day from 10am to 4pm and tackle axe throwing, zip line, survival skills, and team-based challenges that require genuine problem-solving.

Six camps run across July and August. All are staffed by experienced outdoor educators, and the park places a strong emphasis on safety. Sibling discounts are available on request, and early booking is essential - several dates sold out well ahead of the season. The park asks that all children wear closed-toe shoes for the activities.

Prices run from €110 to €160 depending on the age group and camp week. Contact the park on (056) 444 0707 or at info@discoverypark.ie to check current availability.

Getting there

Castlecomer sits roughly 15 km north of Kilkenny city on the R694. By car from Kilkenny, the drive takes about 20 minutes. From Dublin, it is around an hour and a quarter via the M9 and N78. Bus Éireann serves Castlecomer from Kilkenny town; check current timetables at buseireann.ie as frequency is limited. The Discovery Park has on-site car parking.

While you’re in Castlecomer

The town itself has a coal-mining heritage worth a quick look - the Castlecomer Discovery Park grew from the old colliery estate - and the surrounding countryside is good walking territory. There is more to see in Castlecomer and across Co. Kilkenny.

Good to know

• Camps run across July and August 2026; six weeks in total
• Ages 5-8: €110, runs 10am - 2pm | Ages 9-12: €145, runs 10am - 3pm | Ages 13-15: €160, runs 10am - 4pm
• Book via discoverypark.ie or call (056) 444 0707 - spaces fill up fast, several dates already sold out
• Wear closed-toe shoes; sibling discounts available on request