Barretstown is a registered charity in Ireland that offers free, specially designed camps and programmes for children and their families living with a serious illness – supported by 24-hour on site medical and nursing care. Founded by Hollywood actor Paul Newman in 1994, Barretstown is part of the global SeriousFun Children's Network. Their mission is to rebuild the lives of children affected by serious illness and their families, through life-changing therapeutic recreation programmes in a safe, fun, and supportive environment. They focus on helping children recover their confidence, self-esteem, and independence, often lost through illness and treatment.
Serves as the primary site for therapeutic recreation camps, family programs, administrative operations, volunteer coordination, and fundraising activities.
The facility is centered around a restored medieval castle on a 500-acre estate, featuring purpose-built residential lodges, an activity centre, medical facility (Med Shed), equestrian centre, walled garden, and various outdoor activity areas designed to be accessible and engaging.
A compassionate, energetic, and mission-driven environment focused on creating 'Serious Fun'. Staff and volunteers ('Caras') are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and empowering experience for campers. Emphasis on teamwork, positivity, and child-centered care.
The unique castle and estate provide an enchanting and magical backdrop that helps children escape the challenges of their illness and rediscover childhood. It's the heart of all Barretstown's direct programme delivery in Ireland.
While Barretstown's physical camp is located in Ireland, it serves children and families from Ireland, the UK, and other European countries. Significantly, Barretstown is a member of the SeriousFun Children's Network, a global community of 30 camps and programs founded by Paul Newman. This network operates in numerous countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, allowing for shared best practices, program development, and a wider reach in supporting children with serious illnesses worldwide. Barretstown actively participates in this global network, contributing to and benefiting from international expertise in therapeutic recreation.
Barretstown Castle
Ballymore Eustace
Co. Kildare
Ireland
Address: N/A - Operations are largely based at the main campus.
Focuses on national outreach for fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and partnerships from its Kildare base, serving children from Ireland and across Europe. They also collaborate with the global SeriousFun Children's Network for shared learning and support.
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As of April 2025, Barretstown' leadership includes:
Barretstown has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:
Publicly available information on specific executive hires or exits at Barretstown within the last 12 months is limited. Non-profit organizations like Barretstown often announce such changes through their annual reports or direct communications rather than widespread news articles, unless it's a very high-profile change. Leadership tends to be stable.
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Barretstown likely uses a standard professional email format for its staff. Common formats for organizations of its type include [first].[last]@[domain] or [first_initial][last]@[domain].
[first].[last]@barretstown.org
Format
dee.ahearn@barretstown.org
Example
80%
Success rate
Kildare Nationalist • October 26, 2023
Barretstown’s ‘Big Picnic, Drive-In Movie and Family Fun Day’ event held at Punchestown Racecourse was a resounding success, raising over €250,000. The funds will help Barretstown continue to provide its therapeutic programmes for children living with serious illnesses....more
The Irish Times • September 14, 2023
Barretstown launched a fundraising appeal highlighting the importance of their services in helping children impacted by serious illness to 'press play' on their childhoods, which are often put on hold due to illness and treatment....more
Barretstown Blog • June 1, 2023
Barretstown released its 2022 Impact Report, detailing the number of children and families served, program outcomes, and financial performance. The report highlighted that 20,240 children and family members participated in Barretstown programmes in 2022....more
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