Mellowes Adventure Centre Summer Camp 2026

Mellowes Adventure Centre in Athboy runs one of Meath’s most established children’s summer camps, drawing kids from across the county every summer for a mix of outdoor action and creative indoor sessions. It suits families with children aged 3 to 11, with separate groups for each age band so the programme fits where your child actually is developmentally. At three hours a morning, five days a week, it is long enough to be genuinely tiring and short enough to leave the afternoon free.

What to expect

The camp runs across a three-acre site and the daily timetable pulls from a broad range of activities. Outside, children use pedal go-karts, climbing towers, and mini golf, and there are bouncy castles and mini soccer on the grass. Indoors the programme shifts to craft projects, baking, t-shirt printing, and a soft play and cinema room. There is also a pet corner and regular talent competitions and discos woven through the week.

The three age cohorts - 3 to 5 years, 6 to 8 years, and 9 to 11 years - run alongside each other but with age-appropriate content. Children must be toilet trained to attend. The centre emphasises learning through play, with nature exploration and sustainability projects running as a thread through the week.

Weeks available are 29 June to 3 July, 6 to 10 July, 13 to 17 July, 20 to 24 July, 27 to 31 July, 10 to 14 August, and 17 to 21 August. The price is €80 per child per week. Families who qualify for the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) can use it here - call the centre on 046 943 3921 to arrange NCS bookings rather than booking online. All other bookings go through the Mellowes website. Note that bookings are non-transferable and non-refundable, and a registration form must be completed after payment.

Getting there

Athboy sits in the middle of County Meath, roughly 15 minutes south-west of Navan on the R154, and about 35 minutes from Mullingar. From Dublin the drive is around an hour via the N3 to Navan and then west. There is no rail station in Athboy; the most practical public transport option is the Bus Eireann service from Navan. Parking at Mellowes is on-site.

While you’re in Athboy

Athboy is a compact market town with a quiet medieval centre, the remains of a 14th-century Carmelite tower, and the Hill of Ward just outside town - one of Ireland’s ancient Samhain sites. There is more to see in Athboy and across Co. Meath.

Good to know

• Camp runs Monday to Friday, 9am to 12pm, from 29 June to 21 August 2026 (seven separate weeks, with a break the week of 3 to 7 August)
• Price: €80 per child per week
• Age groups: 3 to 5 years, 6 to 8 years, and 9 to 11 years (children must be toilet trained)
• Book online at mellowes.ie - camps are popular and fill up, so early booking is advised
• NCS scheme accepted - phone 046 943 3921 to arrange
• Venue: Mellowes Adventure Centre, Athboy, Co. Meath