About Us

FRIENDS FOREVER

Not Just A Summer Camp

In 1966 the very first Camp Shamrock pitched its tents in Newcastle, Co. Down. Since then thousands of children and young adults have come to Camp, hiked in the forest, swam in the river, made friends for life and experienced a community based on acceptance and love.

To this day, Camp retains the goal of bringing people together from many different backgrounds, countries, and communities to eat together, sing songs around the campfire, sleep under the stars while being surrounded by the beauty of Tollymore Forest Park.

A Typical Day At Camp

Time Schedule
8am Wake Up Whistle
9am Breakfast
10am - 12pm Classes
1pm Lunch
1:30pm Tuck
2pm Afternoon Activity
6pm Dinner
7pm Evening Activity
9pm Devo and Campfire
10pm Bed

What To Bring To Camp

You will be at Camp for 8 days so there are a few things you need to bring to make sure you stay warm and dry and enjoy your time! Remember that you will be sharing a tent with other people and space is limited so pack your things in a way that they are easily packed up every day for tent inspection and that you can easily keep track of your belongings. You don’t need to bring the kitchen sink but there are a few essentials.

Sleeping Bag

A warm sleeping bag is essential and don’t forget your pillow and maybe a spare pillow case.

Torch

We have lots of lighting in the main marquee tent but the tents are unlit so you will need a torch to see your way around at night.

Clothes

Bring enough changes of clothes to last you a week at camp, don’t bring your good clothes although some campers like to bring one nice outfit for going into town on the last day.

Waterproof Footwear

A pair of wellies or similar waterproof boots are essential, runners will often get wet from walking through the grass on the field especially if we have rainy weather.

Waterproof Coat

Another essential is a good raincoat. Irish weather is notorious for rain and we rarely have a camp without a few rainy days.

Old Pair Of Trainers

A pair you won’t mind getting wet.

Swimwear

Towels and Toiletries

The campsite has washing and showering facilities so you will need at least one towel. Don’t forget your toothbrush, toothpaste and shampoo/shower gel.

Spending Money

Parents must use their discretion as to the amount they give their child. We encourage them to deposit all money and valuables with us on their arrival at Camp. If a child does not use this service we cannot take responsibility for money lost or stolen. There is a “tuck shop” which the children are allowed to use on a controlled basis. They will have a daily limit on what they can spend. Whatever money they have left at the end of Camp they can bring with them to town on the last day to buy lunch and perhaps a few souvenirs.

FAQs

  • Camp is in session from approximately the second Monday in July for Girl’s Camp and the Third Thursday in July for Boy’s Camp. Exact dates vary every year so keep an eye on our Facebook page and our website for date announcements.

  • The 2025 camp application form is available to be filled out AT THIS LINK.

  • You will be sharing a tent with 3 or 4 other campers and a tent leader. These are traditional Icelandic canvas tents.

  • All meals are prepared fresh at camp in the Cook Shack. A large communal marquee tent with a kitchen and dining area. Our cooks have been preparing meals for our campers for many years. If you have any food allergies or special dietary requirements we will do our best to accommodate.

  • Everyday we have Tuck “after Lunch, after Dishes” where we sell some chocolate bars, sweets, crisps and drinks. So if you would like to have some money for this you can bring some along and we will keep it safe for you through camp. On the last day of camp we all go into town and whatever spending money you have left you will bring that with you to buy lunch and maybe a few souvenirs.

  • We operate a no mobile phone policy for our campers. The full policy can be seen on our Mobile Phone Policy document linked here.