Adventure Holidays at IOAC
When I first started Easy Peazy Family Breaks’ Blog I wanted to explore Ireland through a family’s eyes and show that Ireland is a family holiday destination that can equal or exceed many of her European counterparts. Thus when we discovered the IOAC, International Outdoor Adventure Centre in Wexford, for me this is what we are all about.
The IOAC, International Outdoor Adventure Centre, is a whole new camping experience and miles away from traditional campsite in Ireland. Modelled on some of the leading campsites across Europe and America the IOAC creates a completely different category for family holidays in Ireland.
Camping Holidays at the IOAC
Situated in Rosslare the IOAC even houses a scout camping site as both owners come from a scouting background and bring their extensive scouting knowledge and passion into creating a unique camping adventure experience for families.
Through their dedication and camping spirit, Adrian and Carmel have created an outdoor activity campus boasting camping grounds, adventure centre and even a glamping village.
Facilities at IOAC
Moreover, what really sets this campsite apart from all others are the communal area and facilities. With 84 pitches on site there are two well designed modern blocks with plenty of cubicles to service each area and no matter where you are on site you are near a block.
Furthermore, It is rare you will meet a queue and the facilities are checked and cleaned hourly. Each block contained a campers kitchen, extra sinks with draining boards outside and finally ladies and gents shower and toilet blocks.
IOAC Campus
As well as the practical facilities on site the IOAC have a small café, shop and hot food take-away. In the evenings, the kiddie discos are a bit of fun for the kids and a great way to end a day of fun.
Glamping at IOAC
In addition to camping pitches and RV park, this adventure resort offers Cabins for those who prefer not to stay in a tent. The cabins are cosy and well-appointed with everything you need for a luxurious glamping trip.
Each cabin sleeps up to 4 people (2 double beds) & comes with electricity (for camping electrical devices and phone/tablet/laptop charging) and are set in beautiful surroundings.
Activities at The IOAC
Camping at the IOAC puts you in the centre of all the action and the Outdoor Adventure Centre is the park’s biggest draw. From kayaking to crate stacking and high ropes to obstacle courses you can keep the kids well entertained while making amazing memories.
Adventure Trails at IOAC
It is not all about the big physical challenges at the IOAC, they have some unique games and trails for all the family to enjoy such as Fraeya’s Adventure Trail. In this trail you embark on a noble Viking quest for the mighty goddess Fraeya! Follow her cryptic clues to gather the secret codes hidden all around the IOAC campus and fill your card in. €5 per person.
What3Words Adventure Trail is where technology meets the outdoors. You’ll need a mobile phone for this one. A great adventure awaits as you input the secret three-word combinations from your card into the free-to-download What3Words app! See exactly on your screen where the next clue is and navigate your way around, collecting a code at each point. Harness the power of satellites this summer and this is again is €5 per person. There are activities here to suit all interests which I have listed below.
More Activities at IOAC
Jacobs Ladder 1 hr – Team Challenge – €20 per person
Kayaking 1.5 hr – €25 per person
Archery 1 hr – €16 per person
High Ropes 1.5 hrs – €20 per person
Crate Stacking (min 2) 1 hr – €20 per person
Berseker – Viking Challenge Course 1 hr (min 4) – €16 per person
Battlezone Archery 1 hr (min 6) – €16 per person
Axe Throwing – €10 per person
And More Activities at IOAC ........
Under the tree canopy you will discover an enchanting playground that apparently is the ship wreck of one of the Viking fairies of the area.
I love that they moved away from your traditional playground that kids will know and expect to this magical space with very new and unique play components. As you near the end you meet the story square which we loved, again re-enforcing the true meaning of the great outdoors to reality.
Ball Area at IOAC
In addition to the playground, large ball area offers ample space for groups small or large to kick a ball or play a match. This could be a great activity for families heading away with friends as you could have a little tournament. Along with the pitch there is outdoor table tennis in this area.
Activities at IOAC
I would definitely book the high ropes and this is an activity that they everyone will all enjoy together. My two older ones loved it and they did it with their dad. It one of those that allows them to step out of their comfort zone yet they love the adventure of it all.
If you are worried it will cost and arm and a leg, why not agree to one activity a day and a trail with all the family. They will be entertained in the games room, ball pitch and playground after this. I put a budget a day on the games room also to avoid arguments.
Similarly, I would recommend you book all the activities in advance so once you arrive under the arch of the IOAC, you know that you can relax and that you do not have to rush or race anywhere.
Places to go Nearby
While there is plenty to keep them busy onsite you may want to venture out to explore Wexford itself. The small town of Rosslare and Rosslare Beach is only minutes away while the gorgeous Curracloe Beach is a 35 min drive.
A 20 minute drive will take you to the village of Kilmore Quay which has preserved the tradition of thatching, with many of the houses dating from the early 19th century. Today it is possible in Kilmore Quay to have a rare glimpse of how a traditional Irish fishing village would have looked in time gone by. Kilmore Quay is a great spot for a walk in the evening and spot of fish and chips by the sea.
Irish National Heritage Park
Irish National Heritage Park
We had fun panning for gold, meeting the birds of prey and seeing how the agricultural and living homesteads in Ireland evolved over the years. I would recommend allowing a whole day here and checking what activities are underway before you set off as we did not allow ourselves enough time. Finally, the guides dressed in costumes are always happy to stop and talk and we missed out on the blacksmith who was working at his craft that day.
Summary of IOAC
Rosslare beach – 6.6km – 11 mins drive
Rosslare Playground – 5.6km – 10 mins drive
The National Heritage Park – 18.2km – 16 mins drive
Curracloe Beach- 26.1km – 35 mins drive
Hook Lighthouse – 58km – 55 mins drive
Saltee Islands Ferry – 17.8km – 21 mins drive
Downside – You can request a site or area and the team at IOAC will do their best to accomodate you. I would suggest staying away from the road as my kids found this a bit noisey at night however, our neighbours did not mind. Also, I would recomend requesting by the playground as it is a large site with a lake so if you have young kids near the playground you can afford them more independance.
What the kids said:
“I want to go back every weekend and do all the activities” – Thomas (11)
“If we were going again I think we should go with friends as it would be so much fun” Saoirse (13)
Happy Travelling and if you want to check out any of our blog posts on camping or further travels I have included some links below.