GAA Cúl Camp Laois 2026

Every summer, GAA clubs across County Laois open their grounds to children for a week of Gaelic games, fresh air, and genuine coaching. The Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camp programme is one of the biggest children’s sporting events in Ireland, and the Laois edition runs from early July through to late August at venues across the county - from Portlaoise and Portarlington to Mountmellick, Ballyfin, and beyond. It is aimed at boys and girls aged 6 to 13, with no experience required and no cut-off for ability. The whole point is participation, not performance.

What to expect

Each camp runs for five full days and delivers around 20 hours of coaching and games. Children rotate through football, ladies football, hurling, and camogie depending on what each club offers locally. The coaching follows the GAA’s Games Based approach - skills are introduced in short blocks, then put straight into practice through small-sided games and a mini blitz later in the week. Coaches are trained, Garda-vetted, and focused on confidence-building rather than competition. Every child who books at least ten days ahead receives a Cúl Camps kit - jersey, shorts, socks - delivered before camp starts. Mornings run through to early afternoon.

Pricing for 2026 is set nationally. The first child costs €82.50 for the week; a second child from the same family is €75.00; a third or fourth child pays €65.00 each.

Getting there

Camps take place at GAA club grounds throughout County Laois. The Laois GAA website lists the full schedule of venues and dates, so you can pick the club closest to you. Most GAA grounds have on-site car parking. Portlaoise, the county town, is served by regular Bus Éireann and Dublin Coach services; for outlying clubs, a car is usually the practical option.

While you’re in Co. Laois

Drop-off and pick-up leave parents with a free morning in a county that has a lot to offer - the Rock of Dunamase ruin is a short drive from Portlaoise, and the Slieve Bloom Mountains provide walking trails for anyone with the afternoon to spare. There is more to see across Co. Laois.

Good to know

• Dates: Camps run from 1 July to 31 August 2026, across multiple weeks and venues
• Age group: Children aged 6 to 13
• Price: €82.50 first child; €75.00 second child; €65.00 third/fourth child
• Book: Via the official Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps booking system at laoisgaa.ie or directly at kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie - select Laois to see all available venue slots
• Kit: Included with booking if made at least 10 days before camp starts
• Organiser: Laois GAA