The Best Family Hotels in Ireland (2025 Edition)

Finding a genuinely great family hotel in Ireland is often more hassle than it should be. Plenty promise the world, but in reality, deliver little more than a kids’ menu and a tired playground…

Below, you’ll find a guide to the best child friendly hotels in Ireland based on twice yearly votes conducted via our 280,000+ Instagram following and first-hand experiences.

You’ll find a mix of family resorts, like Centre Parcs, and consistently excellent kid friendly hotels in Ireland, like Newpark, to exceptional outdoor getaways, like Westport Estate Glamping Village. Enjoy!

The best family hotels in Ireland

Family hotels in Ireland have come a long way in recent years. Gone are the days when a playground and a kids’ menu meant a place was great for kids…

Fast forward to 2025 and there’s no countless places now offering everything from on-site wildlife farms and fairy trails to glamping villages and dedicated kids’ clubs, making family breaks in Ireland a lot more enjoyable.

1. Newpark Hotel (Kilkenny)

It’s off to Kilkenny, first, to the award-winning, family-run Newpark Hotel, located on the edge of the historic Kilkenny City. This place is perfect for families looking to dive into a bit of adventure, with everything from a Dinosaur park to a fairy trail nearby.

Family rooms range from Deluxe (1 double + 2 singles) to Superior (2 doubles + 1 single), with interconnecting options for large families and travel cots available There’s a whopping 40 acres of parkland to explore and a range of activities on offer, both in the hotel and nearby, so you’ve plenty of activities to choose from.

Family amenities/ activities include a wildlife farm, go-karting track, kids club, adventure playground, and a magical fairy trail.

2. Westport Estate Glamping Village (Mayo)

One of the most unique family breaks in Ireland can be found in Mayo, in the the grounds of Westport House – Westport Estate Glamping Village. It’s here you’ll find a glamping village set within wonderfully kept grounds.

You’ll stay in one of the 5-meter bell tents (sleeps 4) and have access to hot showers, a BBQ and a whopping 400 acres of countryside for rambles.

However, it’s the excellent amenities/ activities that make this one of the best family holidays in Ireland. On-site, there’s, a 20m swimming pool, a football pitch, playgrounds, a leisure centre, gym and and on-site kitchenette.

3. Center Parcs (Longford)

Center Parcs is arguably the best family hotel in Ireland when it comes to the overall experience delivered. This is, quite literally, a resort that’s been designed to make family holidays enjoyable from the get-go. 

You can book into a self-catering lodge tucked away in the woods or opt for one of the lakeside apartments. Family rooms include range from one-bed to four-bed lodges and include ensuite bathrooms, a TV, and a DVD player.

However, unique accommodation aside, it’s the sheer volume of activities on offer that make this one of the best family breaks in Ireland. Family amenities and activities include a swimming area with slides and whirlpools, a treetop course, archery, hands-on science sessions and lots more.

3. Hodson Bay (Westmeath)

Hodson Bay is one of the more unique hotels for kids in Ireland. It’s plonked in a picturesque setting in Athlone on the shores of Lough Ree.

This is a large 4-star hotel that gets rave reviews for its range of rooms to suit all families. Family rooms include options like 1 double bed and 2 singles, 2-bedroom suites, interconnecting rooms for up to 8 people, and cots available on request.

If you’re the type of family that’s fond of getting out and about, the hotel is close to cycle tracks and, wait for it…. THE TALLEST WATERSLIDE IN IRELAND. Other family amenities and activities include an indoor swimming pool and a kids activity camp.

4. Fota Island Resort (Cork)

Next is arguably the most popular of the family hotels in Ireland – Fota Island Resort near Cobh. If you’re thinking, ‘Eh, is this the place with all the animals?!’, then you’ve hit the nail on the head.

You can enjoy the beautiful East Cork countryside (and see animals!) at this stunning resort on Fota Island. Family rooms include a double bed and single bed, interconnecting doors for larger families, and options with stunning views over the golf course.

Family amenities and activities include Fota Island Adventure with archery, obstacle courses, and field games, plus on-site tennis courts.

5. Amber Springs (Wexford)

Amber Springs is a 4-star hotel and spa in Gorey Town that has previously been voted as one of the best child friendly hotels in Ireland.

It’s perfectly located just an hour from Dublin and it’s within easy reach of a tonne of things to see and do. There’s also plenty of indoor activities for those dreaded rainy days.

Family rooms include 1 double bed and 2 single beds, interconnecting options, and an ensuite with both shower and bathtub.

Family amenities and activities feature the Amber Kids Club, an outdoor park with go-karts, archery, mini-golf, a playground and train, an indoor playzone with a jungle gym, a swimming pool, cinema, and a games room with pool and air hockey.

6. Delphi Adventure Resort (Galway)

Next up is one of the best family hotels in Ireland if you’re the type of family that enjoy active breaks away (and endless natural beauty!).

Set in the stunning Delphi Valley, Delphi Adventure Resort blends four-star comfort with adventure, offering everything from spa retreats and fine dining to kayaking, zip-lining, and wellness escapes.

Family rooms include a full-size double bed, a set of single bunks, and an ensuite with both shower and bathtub. Family amenities and activities range from a free kids club during school holidays and nightly movie screenings to kayaking, surfing, canoeing, zip-lining, aerial treks, archery, abseiling, climbing, and mountain biking.

7. Hayfield Manor (Cork)

If you’re in search of the best luxury family hotels in Ireland, this next hotel will tick every single one of your boxes… twice!

The stunning Hayfield Manor is a very fancy 5-star hotel and estate located in the heart of Cork City. As a family-run hotel, these folks understand the needs of a family holiday and they offer a range of time-tested kid-friendly facilities.

Family rooms include a king-size bed and two singles, with extra beds, cots, and interconnecting rooms available on request. Family amenities and activities include an indoor heated pool, afternoon tea, movie nights, and babysitting services.

8. Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel (Limerick)

Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel is one of those places that makes you truly appreciate the difference warm, attentive service brings.

You’ll find this much-loved family-owned hotel down some quiet country lanes, a stones throw from the beautiful village of Adare in County Limerick.

Family rooms include a king-size bed and two singles, with space for up to three children using cots or extra beds, plus interconnecting rooms available. Family amenities feature a babysitting service, Kids’ Club, playground, indoor heated pool, and a magical woodland fairy trail.

9. Kelly’s Resort and Spa (Wexford)

Kelly’s is one of the long-standing kids hotels in Ireland and it’s been a firm favourite for many families for years.

This is a popular resort and spa that’s finely located on the southeastern tip of Ireland overlooking the sea in Rosslare in County Wexford.

Family rooms include a double bed with one or two single beds, cots on request, and interconnecting options for families with up to four children.

Family amenities include child-minding services, a daily Kids’ Club, swimming pools, tennis courts, and a pirate ship playground.

10. Rathmullan House (Donegal)

I’ve raved about Rathmullan House on more than one occasion on this website, and for good reason, as the photos above should show!

Located in the pretty seaside village of Rathmullan, this beautiful 4-star house is situated right on the shores of Lough Swilly. Family rooms include 1 double bed and 2 singles, with interconnecting options for up to 6 guests and additional travel cots available.

Family amenities and activities feature babysitting services, a heated indoor pool, and a TV room stocked with DVDs and games.

11. Mount Juliet (Kilkenny)

The stunning estate of Mount Juliet is the perfect location for a memorable family holiday on the River Nore in Kilkenny.

The luxurious property has historic buildings with beautiful interiors. It’s both a romantic getaway and family friendly, with plenty of entertainment for the kids. Family rooms include 2 double beds, garden views, a coffee machine, and air conditioning for added comfort.

Family amenities and activities feature a Kids Club with varied activities, junior golf, a tennis court, movie nights, and archery.

12. Parknasilla (Kerry)

Another of the more popular luxury family friendly hotels in Ireland is Kerry’s Parknasilla. Perfectly located between the stunning Kerry mountains and just as breath-taking coastline, this 4-star luxury estate is the perfect place for a relaxing holiday.

Family rooms include a large double bed and two single beds in an adjoining room, with sea or mountain views, plus highchairs, cots, and baby changing stations available.

Family amenities and activities include a Welcome Activity Pack, a games room with pool and arcade games, archery, kayaking, a fairy and nature trail, and a dedicated kids’ menu.

13. Lyrath Estate (Kilkenny)

For the ultimate indulgence, this 5-star family hotel in Ireland is spread across 170 acres of countryside in Kilkenny with lakes, gardens and woodlands to explore.

The Lyrath Estate resort is located in Kilkenny City with its historic 17th century house and modern-day extension welcoming families.

Family rooms include 1 double bed and 2 single beds, cots on request, garden and estate views, and a Nespresso machine for the adults.

Family amenities feature Reilly’s Fun Club, an outdoor playground with a zip line, slide and swings, a movie room with a DVD library, and both an indoor pool and kid’s splash pool.

14. Dingle Skellig Hotel (Kerry)

If you read my Dingle Skellig review, you’ll know that this hotel by the sea is one of my favourite spots for family holidays in Ireland. 

The cosy Dingle Skellig hotel is, unsurprisingly enough, located in Dingle, right on the westernmost peninsula in Europe.

Family rooms include 1 double bed and 1 single bed, with sofa beds, cots, and interconnecting rooms available on request.

Family amenities feature the Skellig Crèche on weekends and school holidays, a daily Kid’s Club, and a swimming pool.

15. Diamond Coast Hotel (Sligo)

If you’re after a seaside getaway on the Wild Atlantic Way, this award-winning 4-star hotel in Enniscrone in Sligo is worth a visit.

Situated on a site that overlooks nearby Killala Bay, the Diamond Coast is perfect for a family break, with plenty to see and do, especially for those looking to enjoy the outdoors with their kids.

Family rooms include double beds with bunk beds to sleep up to 8, along with 2 Smart TVs loaded with kid-friendly apps. Family amenities include the Little Diamonds Kid’s Club, an outdoor playground, tennis and basketball courts, and a babysitter service.

15. The Connacht Hotel (Galway)

This standout Connacht Hotel in Galway City has been welcoming guests for over 50 years, so they know a thing or two about delivering a top-notch experience.

This is one of the more notable child friendly hotels in Ireland and there’s a wide variety of room options available to suit everyone and popular kids’ activities.

Family rooms include a double and single bed or two doubles, new bunk rooms with a double and three sleeper bunks, interconnecting options, and cots or rollaway beds on request. Family amenities feature the Friendly Fellows Kid’s Club, movie nights for kids, and an indoor swimming pool.

17. Mulranny Park Hotel (Mayo)

Mayo’s Mulranny Park is another of the more popular kid friendly hotels in Ireland, and you’ll find it a stone’s throw from Achill Island.

Accommodation wise, there’s a range of options, from spacious family rooms to 2 bed apartments right next to the hotel. There’s also plenty of on-site activities, like fairy trails, a sea shore safari and a kids club.

Family rooms range from Classic options for 2 adults and 2 children, to Superior rooms for 2 adults and 4 children, and Sea View Apartments that sleep up to 6. Family amenities and activities include a kids club, swimming pool, animal and fairy trails, and a seashore safari.

18. Renvyle House Hotel (Galway)

This beautiful 150-acre estate is set on the shores of the Atlantic Coast outside of Renvyle. The historic house and property includes a private lake, beach, woodlands and gardens.

It’s been owned and run by the Coyle family for three generations, so they understand the ins and outs of what a mighty family holiday requires.

Family rooms include a double bedroom and a twin room, with an ensuite bathroom featuring both a shower and a tub. Family amenities and activities include boating, kayaking, tennis courts, an outdoor heated pool, and scenic coastal and woodland trails.

19. Waterford Castle Hotel (Waterford)

Next up is arguably one of the most unique family friendly hotels in Ireland in this guide – I’m talking, of course, about Waterford Castle Hotel.

This very quirky property on the outskirts of Waterford City has plenty of family-friendly activities on offer for those in search of things to do.

The island resort is on 310 acres of gardens offering the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday in their self-catering lodges or castle rooms.

Family rooms include self-catering lodges with 3 or 4 bedrooms, complete with kitchen and dining facilities. On-site family amenities include tennis and basketball courts, a playground, a woodland fairy trail, and the option for relaxed family picnics.

Explore beyond the family friendly hotels in Ireland

Now that you’ve a good sense of the best family hotels in Ireland, it’s time to explore.

If you need an itinerary, drop into my Irish Road Trip hub. If you need a bit of inspo, here are the top things to do in Ireland!