Pony rides, picnics, or well-thought-out play areas at hotels that extend their offering to little ones and not only tolerate but celebrate them are what parents want when it comes to a stress-free staycation. Making sure the adults are catered for too is essential, so the opportunity to drop the kids off at a club while you indulge in a well-earned massage, or some spa time really is the ideal. We’ve checked out some of the best family-friendly hotels in Ireland that will keep you and your children happy for a weekend of rest and relaxation.
Hotel Killarney is a warm, family-run hotel just a short distance from the Co Kerry town. Friendly Fellow Kids Club has a soft play area as well as daily activities on offer for younger children, while older kids and teens can hang out in arcade zones or catch a movie in the evening. There’s also a children’s pool, an inclusive sensory hub, and plenty of outdoor fun.
Unleash your inner Rory McIlroy with some mini golf or captain a pirate ship in the playground, all on the hotel grounds. It’s also a brilliant base for all there is to do and see nearby, including Killarney National Park and Torc Waterfall, Kennedy’s Pet Farm, Ocean World Aquarium in Dingle, or the scenic 214km Kerry Way trail. hotelkillarney.ie
With 315 hectares (780 acres) of lush countryside for the little ones to tear through, it’s no wonder Fota Island Resort is consistently voted a family favourite. With an adventure centre right on site, it’s the ultimate place to indulge in some fun for all ages, with target archery and obstacle courses on offer. If parents prefer to let the youngsters off, not a problem.
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They can relax and unwind in the spa or enjoy a game of golf on the championship courses while the kids are catered for. While there, also discover the wildlife park, Spike Island, the Titanic Experience in Cobh, or a visit to the markets at Midleton. In terms of sleeping arrangements, the comfortable residential lodges are cosy and great for families. fotaisland.ie
Newpark Hotel is a firm favourite with families, set in historic Kilkenny where there is lots going on. The hotel is located on the outskirts of town, with 17 hectares of parkland to play in. But it’s the animatronics that kids will love most. Jurassic Newpark features T Rex, Stegosaurus and Velociraptor, and that’s only some of the species on show. There’s also a petting zoo and fairy trail, so plenty to keep smallies entertained.
Meanwhile, the adults can enjoy downtime in the Escape Spa with an adult-only outdoor infinity pool. In terms of lodgings, there are lovely interconnecting rooms for large families. newparkhotelkilkenny.com
No family-friendly hotel list would be complete without Kelly’s Resort, a beautifully situated family-run hotel right on Rosslare beach in Co Wexford. The expansive five-mile stretch of sand is an ideal place to stretch little legs while you sunbathe or read a book. There is also Aqua Club with two swimming pools, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room as well as an outdoor Canadian hot tub.
There is so much in the way of activities, your littles ones will be spoiled for choice. Try your hand at indoor and outdoor tennis, crazy golf, badminton, bowling or snooker as well as yoga and Pilates for the adults. Dine at the Sea Rooms or in the family-friendly dining spaces, a joy for parents whose kids might make a little more fuss at mealtimes. kellys.ie
There has been a hotel on the beach at Garryvoe in east Cork since the early 1900s, overlooking the same beautiful stretch of sandy, five-mile beach. Staff a the Garryvoe Hotel go above and beyond for children, with an excellent kid’s menu and an indoor pool. Jungle world, Perks Entertainment, Bridgefield Buggies, Leahy’s Open Farm and Ballycotten Adventures are all on your doorstep so it’s also a perfect base for all the area has to offer. garryvoehotel.com
If you have plans in the capital with kids, Castleknock Hotel offers relaxation just outside the city. Young people get a welcome bag on arrival, which includes Phoenix the Giraffe to accompany them on their adventures, a colouring book and an exploration map of Phoenix Park, which is close by.
There is also a family pass included to Dublin Zoo or AquaZone, and an option to upgrade the pass to Emerald Park. Children can have fun in the playground during the day and enjoy movie nights with milk and cookies in the kids’ movie room in the evenings. Meanwhile, parents can indulge in some well-deserved relaxation at the hotel’s spa or take advantage of Tonic Health Club and the hotel’s swimming pool. castleknockhotel.com
Adventurers and nature lovers
If you want to park up, throw the car keys in a drawer and forget about everything for three days, then Center Parcs is the one destination where this is truly possible – in fact, it’s a requirement. Designed for families, the self-catering lodges come with everything you could want for a home-from-home experience. Dotted among Co Longford woodlands, lodges each have their own outdoor decking area and barbecue. Activities are abundant, and will keep everyone happy, from very small kids to older teens.
Adults get more than a look in with the gorgeous Aqua Sana spa, a short distance from the main area. Treetop courses, swimming pools, slides, archery, paintballing, cycling and 10-pin bowling are just some of the things to do and you can bring your own bikes or rent from Center Parcs, allowing you to explore the forest on your doorstep. The village offers several restaurants and there are shops, cafes and a pub on site. centerparcs.ie
Test everyone’s skills with a break at Delphi adventure resort. Stay at the four-star hotel and choose from up to 20 activities on offer for ages four and up. Try surfing in Louisburgh, zip lining in the 80-hectare (200-acre) Delphi Forest, or kayaking in Killary Fjord. The scenery is, as you would expect for this corner of Connemara, exquisite, and families are well catered for, with large rooms containing a double bed and set of single bunks. There is also a free kids club during holidays, with kids’ movies shown each evening. Carve out some me time in the award-winning adults-only spa between abseils and orienteering. delphiadventureresort.com
Located in Moycullen on the outskirts of Galway, Wildlands is situated in 8 hectares (20 acres) of mature woodlands overlooking Ballyquirke Lough, and is a great mix of nature, adventure and luxury. Fourteen open-plan log cabins offer a complete rustic feel with antique details, exposed rafters and outdoor decking, making them ideal for enjoying long summer nights during the holiday season.
Start the day with breakfast at the award-winning Olive Tree Kitchen restaurant, before a day of soaring above the treetops with the new net adventure course, featuring slides, tunnels, a ball games zone, and the exhilarating giant swing, offering high-flying excitement for all ages. Explore the neighbouring special area of conservation while kayaking through Ballyquirke Lake. wildlands.ie
Mount Congreve Gardens and Country Estate may not at first seem like a family-friendly destination; however, with its new cabins in the woods it is a perfect place for adults and kids to reconnect. With board games, perhaps a pack of cards and Mount Congreve as your back garden for the weekend, what more could a family want? The cabins in this stunning Co Waterford setting are compact but have a luxurious feel, with an outdoor hot tub and a deck to dine on.
This is a great way to be in nature, without taking the full camping plunge. Each cabin comes with everything you could need for a cosy stay, including kitchen, bathroom and two bedrooms, and being an overnight guest at Mount Congreve gives you after-hours privileges to the lush gardens. mountcongreve.com
A little luxury
Hayfield Manor is a beautiful hotel located in the heart of Cork city. A long-standing Blue Book member, the hotel is very happy for small guests to visit and will do everything possible to make family stays comfortable. Family rooms come with a king-size bed and two singles, or there are interconnecting rooms for older kids who are vying for some of their own space. Afternoon tea and movie nights are offered and there is babysitting available if you’d prefer to dine alone at night. There is an indoor heated pool and staff are helpful and friendly. hayfieldmanor.ie
It may surprise, but at the Cliff House in Ardmore, Co Waterford, one of Ireland’s leading five-star boutique hotels, children are very well catered for. There is a small room with bean bags, telly, games and toys for smaller children to relax in, while an outdoor ping pong table will keep everyone amused and bring competitive natures to the fore.
The indoor pool overlooks the beautiful Waterford coastline and there is also private access to an outdoor sea-swimming area. Hotel staff are more than happy to organise activities for kids, a range of which are offered close by, including water sports and horse riding.
For large groups, it’s worth investigating the recently added six-bedroom house that overlooks the hotel, complete with en suite bathrooms in all six bedrooms, two kitchens, a private cinema, gym and outdoor hot tub. Perfect for a big family get together. cliffhousehotel.ie
