Fota Island Family Activities: Shelter Building & Archery

Hands-on woodland skills without the lecture

A two-hour family activity at Fota Island where you build shelters from natural materials, learn fire-making, hide in the forest in camouflage suits or try target archery, and tackle an obstacle course together. The guide leads all activities. Marshmallows, biscuits and equipment are included. Limited group sizes keep the experience personal.

The experience

What do you actually do for two hours in the Fota Island woodlands? You start with bushcraft: your family works together to build a shelter using branches and natural materials, then learns to make fire safely and toasts marshmallows over it. The second half splits by age. Younger kids put on Ghillie Suits, full camouflage gear, and hide in the forest while you hunt for them. Older kids trade that for target archery, where they aim at a range and focus on precision. Throughout, the guide sets up each activity and stays with your group.

The obstacle course ties it together: rope swings, balance beams, and tricky crossings that need all of you working as a team to get through. It's the kind of thing families talk about for weeks after, not because it's polished, but because everyone had to figure something out together. Infants and small children can stay in a pram or stroller while the rest of the family moves through the activities.

What’s included

• Use of all activity equipment including Ghillie Suits and archery gear.
• marshmallows and biscuits.
• a live guide leading all activities in English.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 14:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (8 to 80 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Fota Island Adventure

Is this one for you?The two-hour session keeps moving between activities rather than lingering on one, so restless kids stay engaged and families with mixed ages find something for everyone to do together.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the obstacle course actually like at Fota Island?

The obstacle course includes rope swings, balance beams, and crossings that require teamwork to navigate. You climb, crawl, and problem-solve your way through as a family unit.

Can my kids really hide in the forest in camouflage suits?

Yes, younger children wear Ghillie Suits, full camouflage outfits, and hide in the woodland while you search for them. Older kids do target archery instead, aiming at a range under the guide's instruction.

Do we need to bring our own marshmallows and snacks?

No, marshmallows and biscuits are included. You'll toast them over the fire you build as part of the bushcraft activity.

How many families go on this at the same time?

Group sizes are kept small to make sure your family gets a personal, engaging experience with the guide's attention.

Is this suitable if my kids have never done outdoor activities before?

Yes, the activities are designed for all physical fitness levels. The guide teaches fire-making and shelter-building from scratch, and every activity is set up so families work together regardless of experience.