Barretstown

Barretstown’s mission is to rebuild the lives of children affected by serious illness and their families. We believe that every child with serious illness should enjoy their childhood.

Hospitals treat the illness but Barretstown treats the child.

Barretstown was founded by Hollywood actor Paul Newman in 1994 and modelled on his renowned Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut, USA. We serve children affected by serious illnesses – primarily cancer and serious blood diseases – from Ireland, Britain and throughout Europe, and their families.

All of the children and families come to Barretstown free of charge. Everything, including accommodation, food, medical assistance and round-trip airfares are provided at no cost to the family.

Each year, it costs €5.5 million to run our programmes and we receive only 2% from the HSE and the rest is supported by donations and the ever generous fundraising efforts of corporate supporters, individuals and community groups.