From rolling meadows in the countryside sprinkled with ancient castles to sweeping white sand beaches overlooking the turquoise sea, The Emerald Isle is a world-famous vacation destination frequented by thousands of tourists from around the world. Popular shows like Game of Thrones, Braveheart, and Vikings were shot on the uninterrupted natural landscapes here. In addition to the scenic beauty, there is a lot that the country can offer, from historical and cultural attractions to delicious cuisine. Try local delicacies such as an Irish breakfast, Irish stew, and seafood pie, and visit an authentic Irish pub or brewery for some craft beers. If you are traveling with your family, it can be a very rewarding experience to opt for a family-friendly resort that offers a plethora of in-house amenities to make your stay very enjoyable. So, read on to explore our list of the top family-friendly resorts in Ireland.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to family-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 13, 2024.
1. Mount Juliet Estate, Autograph Collection, Thomastown (from USD 220)
Luxurious accommodation with varying room rates, some meals overpriced
Beautiful pool, well-equipped gym, spa, golf, horseback riding, archery, cinema, and stunning grounds with walking trails
Riverside location near Kilkenny, with beautiful gardens and easy access to local trails
Fabulous breakfast with superb variety, some dinner options limited but delicious, exceptional staff and service
Nestled amidst 500 acres (202 hectares) of the beautiful Irish countryside, this luxury hotel offers five-star accommodation with all the amenities you desire to treat yourself. The property dates back to 1757 and it retains some of the old-world charms from the Renaissance era. It offers amazing family-friendly amenities that include a children’s playground, plenty of sports facilities, babysitting services for your convenience, and a multicuisine restaurant that serves a special kids’ menu.
Mount Juliet Estate, Autograph Collection
Address: Mount Juliet Estate, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny
112.43 km (69.9 mi) from Craggaunowen
2. Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg Ireland, Doonberg (from USD 352)
Overlooking the beautiful coastline on one side and a sprawling golf course on the other, this luxury five-star hotel is perfect for a relaxing family vacation in the Irish countryside. The hotel boasts a plethora of amazing amenities designed to make your stay as luxurious as possible.
If you are traveling with your little ones, you can enjoy family-friendly perks such as an indoor and outdoor children’s play area and club, board games and puzzles, babysitting services, and special kids meals available at an additional charge.
Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg Ireland
47.84 km (29.8 mi) from Craggaunowen
3. Kilkea Castle, Kilkea (from USD 218)
Restored from a medieval-era castle in Kilkea to a four-star luxury hotel, this property is a truly magical place that will transport you to another time. Set on hundreds of acres of rolling meadows surrounded by woodlands and a golf course on one side, this hotel offers sprawling bedrooms and a luxury suite for your stay.
If you are traveling with children, the hotel offers babysitting services, board games and puzzles, a special kids’ menu on request, and on-site sports facilities such as archery, tennis, and fishing.
Kilkea Castle
Address: Kilkea Demesne Kilkea Castle
128.5 km (79.9 mi) from Craggaunowen
4. Delphi Adventure Resort Hotel & Spa, Leenane (from USD 152)
Pricing is on the higher side, but worth it for the range of activities and beautiful location.
Excellent amenities including a spa, adventure center, and thermal suite. Some areas need updating.
Nestled in a picturesque area surrounded by mountains, water, and stunning views. Remote but perfect for a peaceful getaway.
Varied dining options with delicious food, though some found the breakfast disappointing and the dinner pricing high.
Offering luxury four-star amenities on a sprawling property surrounded by the Irish countryside and close to the beachfront, this hotel is perfect for families and couples. You can enjoy a plethora of great on-site amenities that include a spa center, an adventure center with adventure sports, and more.
Your little ones can make the most of amenities such as board games and puzzles available for their entertainment, stay with you in family rooms, dine on special kid meals at the on-site restaurant, and enjoy at the kids’ club with sports such as cycling and archery.
Delphi Resort Hotel & Spa
Address: Leenane
111.1 km (69.1 mi) from Craggaunowen
Ireland Tour Guide
Diana M
Hi there! I am Diana :) My passion in life (next to my loved ones) is travelling and meeting new people, showing others the beauty of the world, art in various forms. My private guided day tours are experiences that are unique and are a great way to do an interesting activity without being overwhelmed. You get to do something only few other travellers would get to do and a chance to gain a local perspective. As your guide, I want to open you the door to Ireland's untouched beauty, from scenic cliffs to fairytale like forests and would point out many details you wouldn’t uncover on your own. You might also like to do an activity which can be difficult without local knowledge, like hiking or horse riding, - I am here to help and guide you. I’ll handle all the planning and the driving on the left hand side of the road, so all you have to do is sit back, relax, and soak in the beautiful sights and compelling stories. Ireland won’t leave you untouched and I will be delighted to be your guide and ‘local expert’ here. Hope to see you on one of my trips to the heart and soul of our beautiful country!
Tours by Diana
5. Fota Island Hotel and Spa, Cork (from USD 217)
Reasonable pricing for last-minute booking, excellent value for the quality
Beautiful grounds, spacious rooms, exceptional spa and pool facilities, family-friendly
Perfectly situated within a wooded estate, adjacent to Fota Wildlife park and Cobh, tranquil environment
Epic dinner experiences, amazing breakfast with gluten-free options, exceptional service and knowledgeable staff
Experience a true five-star hotel experience on this sprawling property that features a variety of amenities designed to make your stay as luxurious as possible. The hotel boasts a large on-site restaurant with al fresco dining, a championship golf course, a spa center, and a pool. Guests traveling with kids can make use of the family rooms, packed lunches for long excursions, special diet menus for children, and the playground.
Fota Island Hotel and Spa
Address: Fota Island
107.38 km (66.8 mi) from Craggaunowen
6. Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort, Gorey (from USD 163)
Luxurious resort with varied pricing options for apartments and hotel rooms.
Spa, outdoor pool, thermal suite, beach access, and spacious apartments.
Beautiful beachfront location with woodland walks and easy access to the beach.
Fabulous dining experiences, lovely breakfast, and a variety of dining options.
Situated a short trip from the city of Dublin, in Gorey, this luxurious retreat can be found in the midst of acres of parklands close to the riverside. You can enjoy a variety of amenities that include a spa center, an on-site restaurant serving gourmet meals, free WiFi throughout the property, and free parking. If you are traveling with family, you can also enjoy staying in family rooms, babysitting services, a children’s playground on the premises, and more.
Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort
Address: Ballymoney
174.0 km (108.2 mi) from Craggaunowen
7. Kenmare Bay Hotel Lodges, Kenmare (from USD 226)
Reasonable pricing for spacious lodges, but breakfast not included. Hotel buffet offers good value.
Lodges are spacious, well-equipped, and include a private garden. Hotel provides access to leisure center and pool.
Conveniently located within walking distance of Kenmare town, with easy access to the Ring of Kerry and other attractions.
Good food options nearby, hotel buffet offers a variety of choices, and lodges have fully equipped kitchens for self-catering.
Located in the heart of Kenmare, this hotel provides two-bedroom lodges ideal for families or couples, complete with a fully equipped kitchen where you can prepare your kids’ favorite meals. The property features a swimming pool for guests of all ages, babysitting services for your convenience, and a children’s playground where your little ones can frolic every evening.
Kenmare Bay Hotel Lodges
Address: Kenmare
116.86 km (72.7 mi) from Craggaunowen
8. East Clare Golf Village By Diamond Resorts, Bodyke (from USD 124)
Featuring cozy family cottages with two bedrooms on a tranquil and private property, this accommodation provides three-star amenities that include a fully equipped kitchen, two shower rooms, a private porch outside your cottage, and a complimentary shuttle to local bars on select days.
Your little ones can enjoy on-site amenities such as watersports facilities, a library, and a sun terrace. The property allows pets, so you can bring your furry friends along or make friends with other pets you meet here.
East Clare Golf Village
Address: Coolreagh
16.1 km (10.1 mi) from Craggaunowen
9. Quality Hotel Youghal Holiday Homes, Youghal (from USD 199)
Nestled beside the beach, a short drive away from Youghal’s town center, these cozy and charming vacation homes offer lovely family accommodations with three bedrooms and four-star amenities for your enjoyment. The property features convenient family-friendly facilities to make your stay as comfortable as possible, including a children’s playground, babysitting services for younger children, and on-site sports activities such as cycling, hiking, horse-riding, canoeing, and more.
Quality Hotel Youghal Holiday Homes
Address: Redbarn Beach
116.63 km (72.5 mi) from Craggaunowen
10. Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, Waterford (from USD 464)
Restored from a breathtakingly beautiful medieval-era castle located on a private island in the midst of the River Suir, this hotel offers luxury accommodations for discerning guests. Enjoy staying in individually designed boutique rooms and suites. There are plenty of on-site sports activities for guests of all ages, and an amazing on-site restaurant that serves kids’ meals. The hotel also offers an outdoor children’s playground, babysitting services, a kids’ club, and other fun perks for your little ones.
Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort
Address: The Island
132.52 km (82.4 mi) from Craggaunowen
Enjoy an amazing family vacation in Ireland
From lip-smacking local delicacies to breathtaking vistas of rolling meadows and the sweeping coastline, there is just so much to do and explore in Ireland, making it ideal for a fun family vacation. Booking a special resort that offers family-friendly amenities can make your stay a rewarding experience and let you create plenty of happy memories with your little ones.
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