Donegal is a quiet county in Northern Ireland that’s grown in popularity after being named “coolest place on the planet” by National Geographic Traveller UK in 2016. Natural beauty abounds in Donegal, which comes with plenty of breathtaking views and scenic mountain paths. Some of the most notable attractions here include the breathtaking Wild Atlantic Way and Glenveagh National Park. The county is also home to pristine beaches and sparkling lakes where you can enjoy fun days out with the family. Traveling to scenic Donegal soon? Feel at home by checking out the best family-friendly hotels in Donegal, Ireland, below.
1. The Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran (from USD 158)
The Great Northern Hotel is an excellent choice for a relaxing family vacation. With its location in front of Donegal Bay, you’re sure to enjoy the picturesque views and a good number of family-friendly activities.
You can enjoy a game of golf at the 18-par course and unwind by the indoor pool or hot tub. You can also indulge in delicious meals, courtesy of Tir Connaill Restaurant. If you’re feeling eager to hit the beach, you and your loved ones can easily walk to the shore from the hotel.
The hotel provides special seasonal offers and vouchers for families visiting Donegal, such as Halloween and Easter packages that include complimentary meals. They will also be happy to make special arrangements for cots, high chairs, bottle warmers, and other childcare essentials.
The Great Northern Hotel
Address: Sea Road
Accommodates: 2
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Tennis court Sauna
2. The Frontier Hotel, Bridgend (from USD 114)
Located just 10 minutes from Derry’s historic center, The Frontier Hotel is a traditional hotel that provides a premium experience to its guests. The hotel is known for its bright and cozy rooms, each with convenient amenities, such as free Wi-Fi access, a flatscreen TV, and a private ensuite bath. For families, the hotel offers a family suite that can easily accommodate up to five guests.
To help your family start the day well, a traditional Irish breakfast is served daily. Kids’ meals are available, too. Some of the fun activities you can enjoy during your stay include horse-riding and golfing, which are both just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Your kids are sure to have a blast at the on-site children’s play area.
The Frontier Hotel
Address: Bonemaine
Accommodates: 3
Parking Restaurant Room service Bar Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Breakfast in the room Free parking
3. Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana (from USD 107)
Treat yourself to a rejuvenating stay at Inishowen Gateway Hotel. The hotel’s family rooms are designed to comfortably accommodate two adults and two children, making these suites ideal for small families. Books and DVDs for children are also available, as well as babysitting services for an added fee. The little ones can run around the playground, too.
The hotel offers plenty of treatments that you and your loved ones can enjoy together. You can have a pampering day at Seagrass Wellbeing Spa, where you can choose from their wide array of beauty treatments to help you feel at your best.
The hotel also regularly hosts fun, family-friendly events. If you’re planning to travel to Donegal for Christmas, the hotel holds an exciting event called Santa’s Kingdom. There, your kids can see all kinds of adorable arctic animals and meet Santa himself.
Inishowen Gateway Hotel
Address: Railway Road
Accommodates: 2
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Sauna Fitness centre
4. The Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa (from USD 119)
For an elevated experience in Donegal, a stay at the Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa is a must. This award-winning, four-star family-run hotel boasts a large complex where you can unwind at the rock crystal spa, take a cool dip in the pool, or relax by the hot tub - all while enjoying the fantastic views of Malin Head.
The Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa also offers a special package for families, which features complimentary access to these excellent amenities, including the heated pool, the hot tub, the and fitness center. For kids, there is both an indoor and outdoor play area by the beach. They can also have fun at the kids’ club or make use of provided books, DVDs, board games, and puzzles.
The Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa
Address: Shore Road
Accommodates: 3
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Sauna Fitness centre
5. Holyrood Hotel, Bundoran (from USD 107)
Holyrood Hotel is an excellent stay in Bundoran, especially for families with very young children. The hotel provides a wide array of services to cater to your little ones’ needs.
The hotel’s Kids Club provides top-notch childcare, as well as fun and engaging activities that your little ones will enjoy. During the summer months, nightly sing-alongs are held for kids. Given the hotel’s proximity to the shore, you can also enjoy family-friendly activities, such as kayaking, bodyboarding, and cliff jumping, all year round. After a day of fun, you can chow down on some delicious meals served at the Waterfront Bar and Grill and The Watermelon Restaurant. Both on-site restaurants cater to adults and children, offering plenty of healthy and tasty dishes made with fresh local ingredients.
Holyrood Hotel - Leisure Centre & The Spa at Orchids
Address: Main Street
Accommodates: 2
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Sauna Golf course (within 3 km)
6. An Chúirt, Gweedore Court Hotel (from USD 107)
An Chúirt Hotel provides a serene getaway. This four-star accommodation boasts elegant and well-equipped suites and a wide range of amenities, including a hydrotherapy pool, an on-site restaurant, and a beauty spa.
Your little ones will have plenty of fun activities to enjoy. Kids’ channels are available, as well as a collection of children’s books, board games, and DVDs. Additionally, the little ones are free to have fun in the indoor play area, and babysitting services are also available for an additional fee.
For a memorable day out with the family, you and your loved ones can head to Glenveagh National Park, located just 13 km (8.1 mi) from the hotel. There, you can try horse riding, go for an exhilarating hike, or simply enjoy the scenic views.
An Chúirt Hotel, Gweedore, Donegal
Address: Gweedore
Accommodates: 2
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Sauna Fitness centre
7. Lough Eske Castle (from USD 332)
Set in a dreamy castle surrounded by lush forests, Lough Eske Castle will make you and your family feel like royalty. Each suite at the hotel is elegantly decorated and fitted with plush beds, luxurious oak furniture, and stunning views of the garden.
The on-site restaurant offers kids’ meals and special diets menus for an additional charge. You can also enjoy a delicious breakfast from the comfort of your own suite.
If you and your loved ones feel like heading out, the hotel can help you schedule a special tour to explore Donegal together as a family; bike tours and walking tours can easily be planned. Outdoor fun, such as horseback riding, cycling, windsurfing, and fishing, can also be arranged for an added fee. For kids who don’t feel like heading out, outdoor play equipment, books, DVDs, board games, and puzzles are available.
Lough Eske Castle
Address: Lough Eske Castle Road
Accommodates: 2
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Sauna Fitness centre
8. Harvey's Point, Donegal (from USD 282)
Harvey’s Point is a luxurious hotel tucked amid the majestic Bluestack Mountains, just 6 km (3.7 mi) from Donegal town. Each of the hotel’s 64 suites is bright, spacious, and has a timeless charm. They are fitted with plush beds, a TV, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and a marble bathroom, so you and your loved ones are sure to feel right at home here.
There are also suites ideal for families that can accommodate two adults and up to three children. Rooms can also be fitted with extra beds, and a cot can be provided on request. The hotel also features its own restaurant, noted for its delicious gourmet meals and romantic atmosphere - perfect for a dinner date with your partner.
Harvey's Point
Address: Lough Eske
Accommodates: 2
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Garden Terrace
9. Waterfront Hotel Dungloe (from USD 130)
Offering top-notch service and a tranquil location, Waterfront Hotel Dungloe is the ideal place for some rest and relaxation. You and your loved ones can opt to stay in one of the hotel’s cozy family rooms. The hotel also offers a “Teepee Tots” promo for families with young kids, allowing little ones to enjoy a child’s teepee in their suite and access the outdoor playground.
You can also enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean while you dine together at the on-site restaurant. However, if you wish to have a bit of time alone with your partner, childcare services are also available for an added fee.
Waterfront Hotel Dungloe
Address: Mill Road
Accommodates: 3
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km)
10. Bay View Hotel, Killybegs (from USD 138)
Bay View Hotel prides itself on offering an excellent experience to its guests. Each of the hotel’s suites is tastefully decorated and features plush beds and Wi-Fi access. In particular, the hotel’s family rooms have a queen-sized bed and two single beds, ideal for a family of four. Additional cots are available free of charge for children aged below three. Kids’ meals are available, too.
Situated right across the beautiful Donegal Bay, the hotel offers stunning views. This also means that there’s plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy here as a family. The hotel staff can also help you arrange a trip to Fintra Beach for some fun in the sun.
Bay View Hotel
Address: Main Street
Accommodates: 4
Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Non-smoking rooms Fishing Facilities for disabled guests Family rooms Internet services
Discover Donegal with your loved ones
Discover what makes this naturally beautiful county one of the coolest places to visit on the planet. Donegal’s picture-perfect views, stunning shores, and sparkling lakes all await you and your loved ones. Book a stay at these top-notch hotels for your next trip, and your vacation in Donegal is sure to be memorable for every member of your family.
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