Irish Centre for Talented Youth – CTYI

At the risk of coming across as the biggest nerd ever, CTYI is actually an awesome organisation. Catering to the… ahem…academically gifted young people of Ireland, they organise residential summer camps for teenagers. Who would have thought that a 15-​year-​old would care about astro physics? Or a 14-​year-​old in the archaeological findings of Wood Quay? (Actually, they’re probably the kids you avoided in school)
Anyway, it gives kids a chance to explore the opportunities available to them, either at collegiate level or just for interests’ sake. They don’t just do academics though — not even the budding Einsteins could handle that — so there is the usual fun stuff involved in summer camps too… including the always important discos and trips away (sometimes, if you’re lucky, you get to go to Kilkenny Castle! I know, I know, they really spoil you!)
‘Special needs’ now apparently encompasses academic aptitude as well as all the other connotations, so a space for such children to explore subjects as random as gothic studies, superhero science (which I admit will do little to dispel rumors of non-​nerdism), corporate business and globalisation is a great amenity, and attracts foreign as well as indigenous students. Not to mention the most important factor…3 weeks parent-​free. Can’t argue with that now can you?!