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ArchaeologySummer Camp For Curious Children Across Ireland

Hands-on archaeology camps where children dig, discover artefacts, explore history, make friends and build confidence through unforgettable outdoor experiences.Dig, discover, make friends & build confidence — an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

SIA Team
Watch Our Story
2011Founded
Who We Are

Ireland's First
Archaeology School

Imagine your child spending the day as a young archaeologist — digging, uncovering clues, making ancient crafts, and exploring Ireland's past. That is what SIA camps are all about: active, hands-on learning that feels like a real adventure.

Here, children don't just pass the time — they spend their days laughing, discovering, and bringing history to life through ancient technology and crafts. It is an experience filled with creativity and discovery, giving children a summer they won't forget.

SIA in Numbers

0+
Children Reached
Over 15+ years of camps
0+
Children Per Year
Joining us every summer
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Workshops on Offer
Excavation, crafts & discovery
0+
Years of Combined Experience
From educators and archaeology specialists.
A Day at Camp

What Does a Camp Day Look Like?

10:00 – 10:30
🔨

The Morning Forge

Campers craft their own leather pouch and strike a custom old-style metal coin.

10:30 – 11:00
⚔️

Clash of the Warriors

Safe soft-sword fighting and precision target-practice archery.

11:00 – 11:30
🍎

Recharge & Fuel

Snack break — trade stories, swap strategy, and gear up for the big dig.

11:30 – 13:00
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The Great Excavation

Young archaeologists head to the trenches to unearth genuine artefacts and hidden treasures.

13:00 – 13:30
🥪

The Feast

Lunch break to relax, recharge, and talk about the morning's epic discoveries.

13:30 – 14:15
🎨

Ancient Craft Workshop

Viking beads, Ogham pendants, clay lamps, or colourful mosaics — a masterwork to take home.

14:15 – 15:00
🏆

The Archaeology Olympics

Team games — Tug-of-War, Sea Ship Shore — compete for historic glory!

Tap to see details

What We Do

More Camp Activities

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Big Dig Excavation

Dig like young archaeologists and uncover hidden artefacts from real excavation sites.

🔎

Mini Dig Excavations

Discover small sites where children search for finds and clues just like real field archaeologists.

🦴

Artefact Handling

Handle and explore objects to understand what they reveal about people of the past.

🔬

Microscope Lab

Look closely at small objects, materials, and clues from ancient history up close.

🧭

Treasure Hunt

Follow clues, solve simple challenges, and search for hidden artefacts across the camp.

🗿

And Much More…

Bone ID, Geophysical Survey, Flint Knapping & more secrets waiting to be uncovered!

🔨

Viking Coin Striking

Strike your own custom old-style metal coin — a real piece of history to take home.

👝

Medieval Pouch Making

Hand-craft a genuine leather belt pouch using traditional medieval techniques.

✍️

Ogham Runes Pendant

Learn the ancient Irish writing system and carve your own Ogham stone pendant.

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Neolithic Pottery

Mould and shape clay vessels using techniques unchanged for thousands of years.

🎨

Cave Painting

Create stunning art using the same techniques as our ancient cave-dwelling ancestors.

🏛️

Roman Mosaics

Design and assemble a colourful mosaic inspired by Roman art and decoration.

🧶

And Much More…

Iron Age weaving, Viking brooches, Celtic knotwork & new crafts every week!

🏆

Archaeology Olympics

Team games, tug of war, the medieval well challenge and fun camp competitions.

🏹

Archery Targeting

Safe target practice with camp-friendly equipment — channel your inner warrior!

🗡️

Clash of the Warriors

Battle it out in team combat challenges inspired by ancient Irish warrior traditions.

🧩

Ancient Puzzles

Solve riddles and reconstruct broken artefacts — test your problem-solving skills!

🎭

History Roleplay

Step into the shoes of a Viking, a Celtic warrior or a Roman soldier for the day.

🏰

And Much More…

Medieval Well Challenge, Capture the Flag, Battle of the Clans & surprise events!

Tap each activity to see details

Why Parents Choose SIA

WHAT MATTERS
ORDINARY CAMPS
SIA ARCHAEOLOGY CAMP
Purpose
Childcare and time-filling activities
Fun, hands-on learning and discovery
Schedule Options
Only one schedule
Flexible 1, 3, or 5-day options
Staff
General camp staff
Official Garda-vetted and certified staff
Programme
Basic activity-based programme
Expert-designed by historians with 15+ years experience — fun, learning & growth
Activities
Standard sports (football, etc.)
Unique games designed to immerse children in history and inspire a lifelong love of learning

OUR LOCATIONS

📍
Rosemont School
Sandyford, Dublin
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📍
Clonturk Community College
Dublin 9
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📍
Harold's Cross NS
Harold's Cross, Dublin
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📍
Malahide Community School
Malahide, Co. Dublin
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📍
Tipperary Museum of Hidden History
Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
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📍
Monaghan County Museum
Monaghan
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Click any location to open Google Maps

What Parents Say

Real Experiences, Real Stories

★★★★★

Fantastic camp! My 9 year old son had a super week. The leaders were all really informative in such fun & creative ways. He came home every day bursting with information that he’d learned, delighted with what he’d made or painted. He’s very eager to do the camp again. Thanks so much to all involved

★★★★★

Lovely and very educational camp. Children are in a great environment, with very dedicated care while they learn a lot about history and culture. It is a one week camp full of great activities. I just do not advise for more than one week as the activities are the same.

★★★★★

My two kids attended last year — an unforgettable experience. From ancient Irish history to the Viking era, they came home every day excited. Educational, fun, hands-on, and the staff were outstanding. Five stars all the way!

★★★★★

Fantastic camp! My 9 year old son had a super week. The leaders were all really informative in such fun & creative ways. He came home every day bursting with information that he'd learned, delighted with what he'd made or painted. He's very eager to do the camp again. Thanks so much to all involved!

★★★★★

My two children LOVED this summer camp. Did two weeks, they wanted to attend the whole summer! Great activities for kids, fun, educational, highly recommend for young people interested in history, medieval history, vikings, the whole lot! Or for any kids not yet familiar with these topics, they'll probably be hooked after this camp. A great alternative or complement to the sports camps out there. We'll be back next year!

⭐ More Reviews on Google
Choose Your Camp

Flexible Options for Every Family

Early Bird offer ends in
30
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20
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05
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00
🏆
€40
1 Day Camp
  • Hands-on archaeology
  • Crafts & games
  • Expert supervision
  • Take-home craft
Book Now
🏺
€100
€120
3 Days
  • All 1-day benefits
  • Extended activities
  • Extra take-home craft
  • New activities each day
Book Now
Most Popular
€160
€200
5 Days
  • All 3-day benefits
  • Full week of discovery
  • Unique group games
  • Full week of crafts
Book Now
Mark Kelly
· Founder ·
15+Years inspiring
young archaeologists
Our Founder — Mark Kelly

History isn't locked in a textbook — it's tangible. When a child holds an artefact they uncovered, history becomes real.

Mark Kelly

Founder & Director, School of Irish Archaeology

At the School of Irish Archaeology, we believe that history isn't something meant to be locked away in a textbook — it is entirely tangible, a physical reality where children can actually reach out and touch the past.

When you hand a child a trowel and they uncover an artefact hidden beneath the earth, a spark ignites. In that single, unforgettable moment, history becomes something they can hold in their hands.

We aren't just giving children a fun week of camp; we are offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience that leaves a deep, lasting memory they will carry with them into adulthood.

Proudly Working With

FAQ

Quick Answers Parents Actually Care About

Camps are designed for children aged 7–12. We do take younger siblings from age 6 — please contact us before booking to discuss your child's needs.
Absolutely no experience necessary! All activities are guided by expert staff and every child progresses at their own pace. The only requirement is a sense of adventure!
Yes — there are two breaks throughout the day, so bring plenty of food and liquids. We also operate a strict No Nuts Policy as several children suffer from severe nut allergies. Please ensure no nut products are included.
Clothes for all weather — good walking boots or wellies and suncream are essential. Please notify SIA staff in advance of any allergy or medical condition your child has.
Yes, SIA is insured with full Public Liability insurance. All our camps are fully covered, giving parents complete peace of mind.
Yes! We offer sibling discounts for families booking multiple children. Contact us directly at bookings@sia.ie to discuss current arrangements.
Cancellation is required one week prior to commencement of camp. A minimum €20 administrative fee applies. Medical cancellations verified in writing by a doctor qualify for a full refund.
Where every child becomes an explorer

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FOR YOUR CHILDREN?

Give your child an unforgettable week of discovery, friendship and fun they'll never forget!

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Still have questions? We’re here to help!

+353 87 755 6808 bookings@sia.ie