DOWNINGS WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Beach‑front Basics and Bravado: Downings Beach Camp for 8+
A weekday beach camp in Downings that teaches kayaking, SUP, coasteering and team problem‑solving for young people, led by qualified instructors — this guide explains what to expect and how the days are organised.
Beach‑front Basics and Bravado: Downings Beach Camp for 8+.
Set on the coast at Downings in County Donegal, Downings Beach Camp is a weeklong programme of shoreline‑based adventure sports and team challenges for young people aged eight and older. The camp blends coached sessions in kayaking, stand‑up paddleboarding and coasteering with solution‑seeking tasks and team games, all delivered by qualified, experienced instructors who emphasise skills acquisition and social development.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Kayaking, SUP and Coasteering
A mix of paddle sports and coastal movement makes up the core curriculum: kayaking, stand‑up paddleboarding (SUP) and coasteering are listed as primary activities, giving participants practical water skills across a variety of shoreline conditions.
Qualified, Experienced Instructors
All activities are delivered by qualified and experienced tutors whose aim is to foster skill development while supporting personal and social growth.
Skill Building and Teamwork
Alongside water skills, the camp uses solution‑seeking tasks and team games to encourage confidence, cooperation and problem‑solving among participants.
What the day feels like
How the week unfolds
The programme runs across morning and afternoon sessions during weekdays and balances coached water time with land‑based games and challenge tasks. Instruction focuses on incremental skills acquisition so participants leave with new paddling and coastal movement competencies and strengthened social confidence.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this camp suits — and who it doesn’t.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Camps run Monday to Friday with morning sessions from 09:45–12:15 and afternoon sessions from 13:15–15:45. The August Bank Holiday week is run as a four‑day camp.
The programme operates in Downings, County Donegal, Ireland and is offered by Gartan Outdoor Education & Training Centre.
The camps are for young people aged 8 years and older.
All activities are delivered by qualified and experienced instructors and tutors who aim to support both skills acquisition and personal development.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages can attend Downings Beach Camp?
The camps are open to young people aged 8 years and older.
When do the daily sessions run?
Morning camps run from 09:45–12:15 and afternoon camps run from 13:15–15:45, Monday to Friday; the August Bank Holiday week is run as a four‑day camp.
Which activities are included in the programme?
The camp programme includes kayaking, stand‑up paddleboarding (SUP), coasteering, solution‑seeking tasks and team games.
Who delivers the instruction?
Activities are delivered by qualified and experienced instructors and tutors.
Where is the camp held?
The camp is based in Downings, County Donegal, Ireland, and is operated by Gartan Outdoor Education & Training Centre.