From the crags of the Atlantic coast to the rolling countryside of western Ireland, Clare is easily one of the country’s most beautiful counties. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the 702-feet (213-meter) high Cliffs of Moher attracts millions of travelers every year for its grandeur. From the picturesque coast of Doolin, sail the scenic Aran Islands. For a fun time on the sand, visit Lahinch Beach or Kilkee Beach. If you’re traveling with kids, visit Burren Birds of Prey Centre and see majestic birds, including endangered species. While in the county, do explore Bunratty Castle and its folk park, which recreates the atmosphere of an Irish village of the yesteryear. For a perfect base, check this list of the best family-friendly hotels in Clare, 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 April 12, 2024.
1. The Inn at Dromoland, Newmarket on Fergus (from USD 182)
Reasonable pricing with good value for money, but breakfast may be overpriced.
Family-friendly with a variety of facilities for kids, but some areas need refurbishment.
Convenient location near Shannon Airport and Dromoland Castle, but public transit may be a challenge.
Excellent dining options with friendly staff, but breakfast service and selection may need improvement.
Overlooking the picturesque Shannon Estuary and Dromoland Castle Golf Course, a stay in The Inn at Dromoland gives guests a complete experience of the Irish countryside. Found on 450 acres (182.1 hectares) of wooded countryside and less than 5 minutes away from Dromoland Castle, this hotel is perfect for families who value the outdoors.
Enjoy fishing or kayaking in the river, go horseback riding with your kids, or simply have a picnic or a barbecue party in the garden. Kids will love swimming in the heated indoor pool. The playground and game room are also a hit among kids, while couples can take advantage of the hot tub, steam room, sauna, and solarium on site.
The Inn at Dromoland
Address: Newmarket On Fergus, Dromoland
2. Bunratty Manor Hotel (from USD 128)
Reasonable pricing with delicious a la carte breakfast menu
Spacious rooms, large residents' lounge, and convenient parking
Walking distance to Bunratty Castle, village, and eateries; short drive to Shannon Airport
Delicious local foods, accommodating for food allergens, and a cozy bar and restaurant atmosphere
This family-run hotel is just a hop, skip and a jump away from Bunratty Castle. If you’re traveling with kids, book a deluxe triple or family room. Deluxe triple room comes with one single bed and one double bed, while the deluxe family room has one double bed, two single beds, a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and an en-suite bathroom.
Here, you can go horseback riding or enjoy a picnic on the lawn on site. When it’s time to eat, head to the in-house restaurant that serves delicious seafood and Irish fare. Kids’ meals are also available for an additional charge. Babysitting service is available, so parents can disappear downstairs for a tipple at the on-site bar that specializes in Scottish and Irish whiskeys,
3. Treacy's West County Conference & Leisure Centre, Ennis (from USD 126)
Just a short stroll away from Ennis’ town center, Treacy’s West County Conference & Leisure Centre offers plenty of amenities for both kids and adults. There’s a game zone with video games and a pool table that draws both children and adults kids. For kids, there’s also a separate swimming pool and a club with dance, art and crafts classes specifically designed for them.
Adults aren’t left behind — there’s a spa center with Turkish/steam bath, a hot tub, and a sauna, which will make them feel relaxed and rejuvenated. All the family rooms come with en-suite bathrooms. Although not luxurious, the guest rooms have an air of refinement that is unpretentious and relaxing.
4. Bay View Hotel, Kilkee (from USD 113)
Reasonable pricing for comfortable, modern rooms with beautiful views.
Well-decorated property with helpful staff, but some rooms may need updates.
Excellent central location with easy access to the beach and local attractions.
Great restaurant with delicious breakfast and dinner options, including gluten-free choices.
Nestled in the charming coastal town of Kilkee, Bay View Hotel is perfect for beach bums. It is just a stone’s throw away from Kilkee Beach, where you can enjoy canoeing, snorkeling, or simply lounge on the powdery sand.
After a fun day on the beach, savor an Irish breakfast with scenic views of the countryside. Once you’ve fueled up, take a leisurely walk along the picturesque Cliffside or swing a golf club at Kilkee Golf Club, which is just five minutes drive away from the hotel.
When it comes to accommodation, the hotel has single, double and family rooms. The latter can sleep up to two adults and two children and is kitted out with a satellite TV and a private bath. Some also offer stunning vistas of the bay. Every Saturday, enjoy live music along with good food and a bottle of beer or wine at the in-house bar.
5. Lahinch Coast Hotel and Suites (from USD 146)
Reasonable pricing for excellent value and quality amenities.
Spacious rooms, leisure facilities, and convenient location near beach and town.
Central location within walking distance to beach, golf course, and local attractions.
Delicious and varied dining options, with excellent breakfast and friendly staff.
Just a few steps away from Lahinch Coast Hotel and Suites is the crescent-shaped Lahinch Beach. Enjoy canoeing, diving, snorkeling, or windsurfing in the blue Atlantic Ocean. A 5-minute walk from the hotel will lead you to the lush green championship golf course of Lahinch, while the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher are just a 10-minute drive away.
Couples and families will the cozy, two-bedroom suites that come with a private kitchen, ensuring you can whip a quick meal. If you don’t fancy cooking, the in-house restaurant serves home-cooked meals, along with a kid-friendly buffet.
Kids can enjoy a dip in the heated indoor pool with a shallow end. The pool is fenced, and pool toys are available too. For couples and those who seek to unwind, there’s a leisure center on site, with a steam room, hot tub, fitness center, and sauna.
6. Falls Hotel & Spa, Enniston (from USD 208)
Overlooking the resplendent Inagh River, Falls Hotel & Spa is an 18th-century mansion with old-world charm and modern amenities. Nestled on 50 acres (20.23 hectares) of woodlands, guests staying here can go hiking or fishing in the nearby river. Cliffs of Moher and Doolin Cave are less than a 20-minute drive away from the hotel.
Kids can create arts and crafts in the Kids’ Club. Bond with the family in the heated indoor pool. Kids also love to hang out in the game room. Savor the view of the river while soaking in the outdoor hot tub. The leisure center also has a steam bath and sauna. All rooms are beautifully appointed with an en-suite bath.
7. Hotel Woodstock Ennis (from USD 126)
Excellent value for money, with great pricing offers on the hotel's own website.
Spacious rooms, modern gym facility, beautiful golf course, and a relaxing pool and spa area.
Convenient location for work, short drive from Ennis, and ideal for exploring Ailwee caves and cliffs of Moher.
Lovely bar food, excellent breakfast, and a variety of dining options, although some inconsistencies in breakfast buffet.
Hotel Woodstock Ennis blends countryside charm with the refinement of traditional design to create a warm atmosphere. Brilliantly located, the hotel is just steps away from Woodstock Golf and Country Club. The historic Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul and the trout-rich River Fergus are just a 10-minute drive away.
After a tiring day exploring Ennis, head to the Leisure Center, where you’ll find a hot tub, steam room, fitness center, and a sauna. You can also take a dip in the indoor heated pool, while the little ones can splash about in the kids’ pool. Irish and American breakfasts are served daily, while the kid-friendly buffet will surely satisfy your kids’ appetite.
Hotel Woodstock Ennis
Address: Shanaway Road. Woodstock
8. Auburn Lodge Hotel & Leisure Centre, Ennis (from USD 70)
Just a five-minute drive away from the heart of Ennis, this three-star hotel offers single, double, triple and family rooms, making it ideal for all types of travelers. There’s an indoor play area where kids can have fun, while the adults can go for a spa treatment or swim some leisurely laps in the heated indoor pool. The in-house restaurant serves Irish cuisine, and for an additional charge, your children can also enjoy a satisfying kids’ meal.
9. Bealaha House, Doonbeg (from USD 117)
Bealaha House is an ideal base for families looking to explore the picturesque Wild Atlantic Way region. Active guests can indulge in outdoor pursuits, such as snorkeling, boating, golfing, and dolphin watching. If you wish to stay indoors, enjoy board games and puzzles with your kids in the spacious rooms. Each unit comes with a seating area, free WiFi, and a private bathroom. This bed and breakfast also offers delicious breakfast every morning, including continental, gluten-free, and vegetarian options.
Bealaha House
Address: bealaha carrowblough beg
10. Bunratty Castle Hotel, BW Signature Collection (from USD 84)
Nestled on a hillside beside River Shannon and only a five-minute walk from the castle, this four-star hotel boasts delightfully sophisticated interiors and serene views of Clare’s countryside. Families can book the classic triple room or classic family room — both are equipped with a satellite TV with kids’ Channels, free wireless internet connection, and a private bath.
For rest and relaxation, there’s a heated indoor pool, a hot tub, sauna, and massage services. When it’s time to eat, relish delectable steak at the on-site steak house and enjoy a wide selection of wines, beers, and cocktails in the bar.
Bunratty Castle Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Address: Bunratty
Bring your family to Clare
Clare is a treasure trove of medieval castles, captivating landscapes, and fun outdoor activities. With a plethora of historic towns and quaint villages, the county is by far the best destination for families looking to have an authentic Irish countryside experience.
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