For many visitors to Cape Clear, the first real taste of marine life begins with the ferry trip from Baltimore, Co Cork. But for a select group of teenagers each year, that connection goes much deeper thanks to Maratacht, an innovative residential camp that blends marine exploration, scientific research and the Irish language on Ireland’s most southerly island.
Maratacht is a transformative journey where teenagers aged 13 to 17 explore marine-focused activities and Irish on Cape Clear, west Cork. It stands out as Ireland’s only offshore residential teenage marine and Irish-language camp.
Each day, participants dive into hands-on adventures, including: kayaking to caves and a sea arch at South Harbour; kayaking among fulmars and gannets; snorkelling; paddleboarding; sea bouldering; fishing; and night-time bioluminescence swims that bring participants face-to-face with marine life.
The adventure elements, however, aren’t just for fun. “When you’re climbing during sea bouldering, you understand viscerally how these organisms survive in such a harsh environment,” says lead instructor Paula Ní Ríogáin. “Textbook concepts about wave action and desiccation stress suddenly make perfect sense. Many young people don’t realise how much the ocean affects their daily lives, even if they’ve never seen it. Here, they don’t just learn about it – they live it.”
READ MORE
Collaboration is central to the Maratacht experience. From the moment they arrive, participants share their interests and shape their own research projects – whether tracking marine biodiversity, studying tidal patterns or examining sustainable fishing practices. Working together, asking questions and supporting one another runs through every activity.
Maratacht integrates Sustainable Development Goals into its programme, building on new second-level curriculum modules. Guided sessions in citizen science see teenagers collecting, organising and submitting data to Irish non-governmental organisations – contributing to real, ongoing research.
“That’s a magic moment,” reflects instructor Hannah Potts, “when they realise they’re not just doing an exercise – they’re contributing to actual science.”
Academic exploration is supported by access to research papers; an online app with project tools and a data library; and expert-led discussions with doctorate-level guest speakers and master mariners.
Immersive island life
Cape Clear is a small island – three miles by one mile – with spectacular sea cliffs and wide Atlantic views. The small community allows a freedom and space that is hard to describe. Each teenager’s personality and independence flowers on the island. It starts with a boat trip from Baltimore, Co Cork: the 50-minute journey is like taking a deep breath. The journey isn’t just a physical one, it’s an emotional excursion that helps to centre you. That connectedness is reinforced by a proximity to nature during swims, kayak trips, paddleboarding across the harbour or just sitting on the wall with friends.
Beyond the science, participants experience island life directly – through visits to local businesses including an apiary, a goat farm (ice-cream included) and conversations with master mariners and ecologists that live on the island.
By the end of the week, every participant takes home:
- A detailed portfolio of their research findings, complete with academic references
- A personalised Irish fóclóir of marine terms used throughout the camp
- A newfound appreciation of the sea’s role in ecology, culture and global climate
- Connections to a group of like-minded friends
With a maximum of 25 participants per session, Maratacht ensures individual attention and meaningful, safer experiences. All instructors are Garda vetted and first aid certified. The fee covers the ferry, accommodation, food, 24-hour supervision and specialist equipment, including wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets.
Six sessions are available for summer 2026:
- May 31st-June 6th
- June 7th-13th
- June 14th-20th
- June21st-27th
- June 28th-July 4th
- July 5th-11th
“We’re not just teaching them about the ocean,” says Potts, reflecting on what makes Maratacht different from other summer camps. “They’re physically learning [about] the ocean in a language and experience that brings marine life to life. When they feel how a limpet grips the rock, when they taste sleabhchán (an edible seaweed), when they know why the weather is the way it is, that knowledge becomes part of them in a way no classroom session could achieve.”
Maratacht is available to book from €699 per person, per week. Discounts apply for families and groups. With only 150 spots available across six weeks, early application is strongly advised. Find out more and register at maratacht.ie
