25 Of The Best Family Hotels Ireland Has To Offer For 2023

If you’re looking for the best family hotels Ireland has to offer, we’ve done a chunk of the heavy lifting for you.

In an attempt to get an opinion from the masses on the best places for family breaks in Ireland, we asked our 260,000 strong community on Instagram for their thoughts.

And they shared them… the good, the bad and the very… very ugly!

We collated the most voted for hotels, cross checked the reviews online while also checking each had family rooms and both on-site and nearby activities for families.

Below, you’ll find a mix of child friendly hotels in Ireland that range from cheap and cheerful to luxury family holidays in Ireland.

Section 1: The best family hotels in Ireland

The first section of this guide is packed with the best family hotels Ireland has to offer (in our opinion).

Note: if you book a stay through one of the links below we may make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

1. 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.

The 4-star, 89-room property offers plenty of amenities for the whole family to enjoy.

Family rooms include:

• King size bed and two singles
• Cot and additional beds for up to three children available
• Ensuite bathroom
• Interconnecting rooms available
• Free Wi-Fi
• TV
• Tea and coffee making facilities

Family amenities and activities

• Baby-sitting service subject to pre-booking
• Kid’s Club
• Children’s playground
• Indoor heated pool
• Gardens and woodland fairy trail

Things to do nearby

• Stonehall Visitor Farm and Wildlife Park
• Adare Pitch and Putt
• Adare Playground

2. 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 hotel 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

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 rooms include:

• From one-bedroom up to four-bedroom lodges
• Ensuite bathrooms
• TV and DVD player

Family amenities and activities

• Subtropical swimming paradise with slides and whirlpools
• Treetop aerial course
• Archery
• Crazy Science sessions for kids
• Cupcake decorating for kids
• Birds of Prey

Things to do nearby

• Dun Na Si Amenity and Heritage Park in Moate
• Lough Ree
• Leebeen Park

3. Delphi Adventure Resort (Galway)

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

Delphi Adventure Resort is a 4-star hotel in Connemara that boasts stylish rooms and plenty of activities for kids and parents alike.

With a range of family holiday packages and a host of things to do nearby, this is a solid option for those of you with hard to amuse kids.

Family rooms include:

• Full size double bed and set of single bunks
• Ensuite bathroom
• Shower and bathtub
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Complimentary toiletries

Family amenities and activities

• Free kids club during holiday periods
• Kids movies shown each evening
• Water-based activities such as kayaking, surfing and canoeing
• Zip line and aerial trek
• Archery
• Abseiling and climbing
• Mountain biking

Things to do nearby

• Cycle the Great Western Greenway
• Walks, playground and exhibitions in Connemara National Park

4. Hayfield Manor (Cork)

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

The stunning Hayfield Manor is a very fancy (and cosy – see above!) 5-star hotel and estate located in the heart of Cork City. 

As a family-owned hotel, these guys understand the needs of a family holiday and they offer a range of time-tested kid-friendly facilities for visiting families.

Family rooms include:

• One king sized bed and two singles
• Ensuite marble bathrooms
• Extra beds and cots available
• Interconnecting rooms on request
• Free Wi-Fi

Family amenities and activities

• Indoor heated pool
• Family afternoon tea
• Family movie nights
• Babysitting available by pre-booking

Things to do nearby

• Fitzgerald Park
• Blackrock Castle Observatory
• Fota Wildlife Park

5. 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 countless things to see and do.

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.

If you fancy a dip, you’ll find a leisure centre in the hotel along with plenty of beaches close by.

Family rooms include:

• Classic Family Rooms for 2 adults and 2 children
• Superior Family Rooms for 2 adults and 4 children
• Sea View Family Apartments that sleep up to 6

Family amenities and activities

• Kids club
• Swimming pool
• Animal trail
• Fairy trails
• Sea shore safari

Things to do nearby

• Achill Island
• Westport
• Mayo Greenway

6. 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

• Double bed and a single bed or two double beds
• New bunk bedrooms, with a double bed and three sleeper bunks
• Interconnecting rooms available
• Cots or rollaway beds available on request

Family amenities and activities

• Friendly Fellows Kid’s Club with a range of activities
• Kid’s movie nights
• Indoor swimming pool

Things to do nearby

• Salthill promenade
• Barna Woods
• Millennium Children’s park

7. Amber Springs (Wexford)

Amber Springs (sounds a bit like a golf course in Florida!) 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 rainy days.

Family rooms include

• One double bed and two single beds
• Interconnecting rooms available for larger families
• Ensuite with shower and bathtub
• Multichannel TV
• Tea and coffee making facilities

Family amenities and activities

• Amber Kids Club
• Outdoor Amber Park with go-karts, archery, mini-golf, playground and train
• Indoor playzone with jungle gym
• Swimming pool
• Cinema
• Games room with pool table and air hockey

Things to do nearby

• Kia Ora Mini Farm
• Courtown Woods
• Ballymoney Beach

Section 2: The best family friendly hotels in Ireland if you’re after luxury

You’ll find your fair share of child friendly hotels in Ireland where they’ll have plenty to keep them occupied and you’ll be able to bask in a swanky setting.

Below, you’ll find award-winning accommodation that’ll cost a pretty penny, but for good reason!

1. Fota Island Resort (Cork)

First on the list is arguably the most unique family hotel Ireland has to offer – the stunning Fota Island Resort.

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.

The luxurious estate has plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, including the only wildlife park in the country at its doorstep.

Family rooms include:

• Double bed and one single bed
• Interconnecting doors for larger families
• Ensuite bathroom
• Flatscreen TV
• Options for stunning views over the golf course

Family amenities and activities

• Fota Island Adventure with archery, obstacle courses, and field games
• Tennis courts

Things to do nearby

• Fota Wildlife Park
• Go Safari activity centre
• CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory
• West Cork Model Railway Village

2. Castlemartyr Resort (Cork)

If you read our guide to the best dog friendly hotels in Ireland, you’ll recognise our next hotel – the very plush Castlemartyr.

Castlemartyr Hotel is a historic property in Cork that boasts traditional luxury rooms. It’s ideally located close to the ocean and other popular destinations such as Cork City, Midleton and Ballcotton.

The kids will love this place as much as you with a range of activities for them to enjoy, like a Very Important Kids check-in and a fairy trail.

Family rooms include:

• One double bed and one single bed in deluxe family rooms
• One double bed and two single beds in junior suites
• Interconnecting deluxe rooms for larger families
• Marble bathroom with bathtub
• Flatscreen TV

Family amenities and activities

• Very Important Kids (VIKs) check-in with activity pack
• Kid’s Club during school holidays and special occasions
• Fairy trail on the castle grounds
• Children movies available
• Child-friendly swimming times at the pool
• Baby-sitters upon request

Things to do nearby

• A selection of Blue Flag beaches
• Fota Wildlife Park
• Leahy’s Open Farm

3. 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:

• Two double beds
• Ensuite bathrooms
• Views of the garden
• Free Wi-Fi
• Coffee machine
• Air conditioning

Family amenities and activities

• Kids Club with a variety of activities
• Junior golf
• Tennis court
• Movie nights for different ages
• Archery

Things to do nearby

• Castlemore Discovery Park
• Nore Valley Park
• Dunmore Caves

4. 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.

They have a long-standing tradition of welcoming families to the resort with plenty of child friendly amenities on offer (the views from the hotel are also out of this world!).

Family rooms include

• Large double bed and two single beds in adjoining room
• Ensuite bathroom
• Sea or mountain views
• Flatscreen TV with entertainment system
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Highchairs, cots and baby changing stations available

Family amenities and activities

• Welcome Activity Pack
• Children’s DVDs
• Games Room with pool table and arcade games
• Archery and kayaking
• Fairy trail and nature trail
• Dedicated Kid’s Menu at the restaurant

Things to do nearby

• Boat trips and charters of Kenmare Bay
• Boardwalk and beaches on Kerry coast

5. Lyrath Estate (Kilkenny)

For the ultimate indulgence, this 5-star luxury 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:

• One double bed and two single beds
• Cots available upon request
• Views of the garden and estate from the window
• Free Wi-Fi
• Nespresso machine
• 43-inch flatscreen TV

Family amenities and activities

• Reilly’s Fun Club for young kids
• Outdoor playground with zipline, slide and swings
• Movie room with DVD library
• Indoor pool and kid’s splash pool

Things to do nearby

• Kilkenny Castle
• Kilkenny Activity Centre
• Jellie Tots Playcentre
• Nore Valley Park

6. The Merrion (Dublin)

One of the most luxurious 5-star hotels in Dublin, this historic accommodation has restored its original buildings from the 1760s.

The Merrion Hotel perfectly located in Dublin City, in easy reach of a range of attractions.

It has facilities to suit babies, toddlers and teens, and is the perfect place for a family break in Dublin.

Family rooms include:

• One king bed with additional crib or rollaway bed available on request
• Adjoining rooms available for large families with up to four children
• Large marble bathrooms with bathtub and shower
• Beautiful views of Dublin street or garden

Family amenities and activities

• Babysitting services
• Dedicated kid’s menu
• Indoor swimming pool

Things to do nearby

• Merrion Square and its playground
• National Museum of Ireland
• Imaginosity child centre
• Dublin Zoo

7. Lough Erne Resort (Fermanagh)

This award-winning luxury resort in Enniskillen in County Fermanagh is the ideal place for a bit of luxury in northwest Ireland.

The 600-acre Lough Erne estate has spectacular views of the Lakelands and plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family.

Family rooms include:

• Two- and three-bedroom ensuite rooms
• One king sized bed and two single beds
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Spacious living and dining areas

Family amenities and activities

Games including air hockey, table tennis and arcade machines
Ernie’s Den kids’ room with board games and a movie room

Things to do nearby

• Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail
• Corralea Activitiy Centre
• Marble Arch Caves
• Fermanagh Fun Farm

Section 3: The best family friendly hotels in Ireland next to the sea

If you’re in search of kid friendly hotels in Ireland near the sea, our next section should tickle your fancy.

Below, you’ll find firm favourites, like the ever-popular Kelly’s in Wexford to the often missed Rathmullen House in Donegal.

1. Kelly’s Resort and Spa (Wexford)

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

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

The 4-star hotel has a long history from the late 19th century and remains a family-run estate. The whole family will enjoy their stay at this beachfront getaway.

Family rooms include:

• A double bed with one or two single beds
• Cots available for smaller guests
• Interconnecting rooms for families with up to four children available

Family amenities and activities

• Child minding services available for a fee
• Children’s Club with daily program
• Swimming pools
• Tennis courts
• Children’s pirate ship playground

Things to do nearby

• Rosslare Strand
• Leisuremax family entertainment centre
• National Heritage Park
• Rosslare Watersports Centre

2. 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 this lot completely understand the ins and outs of what a mighty family holiday requires.

Family rooms include:

• One double bedroom and a twin room
• Ensuite bathroom
• Shower and tub
• TV
• Free Wi-Fi

Family amenities and activities

• Boating and kayaking
• Tennis courts
• Outdoor heated swimming pool
• Coastal and woodland trails

Things to do nearby

• Killary Adventure Centre
• Connemara National Park

3. Dingle Skellig Hotel (Kerry)

If you read our Dingle Skellig review, you’ll know that this gorgeous spot by the sea is one of our favourite hotels on the Wild Atlantic Way.

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

The hotel has plenty of amenities for families and is perfectly situated to explore the best that this corner of Kerry has to offer.

Family rooms include:

• One double bed and a single bed
• Free Wi-Fi
• Satellite TV
• Sofa beds and cots are available on request
• Interconnecting rooms also available

Family amenities and activities

• Skellig Creche on weekends and school holidays
• Kid’s Club with a variety of daily activities
• Swimming pool
• Special children’s dining

Things to do nearby

• Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium
• Jamie Knox Watersports School
• Dingle Horse Riding

4. Rathmullan House (Donegal)

We’ve raved about Rathmullan House on more than one occasion on this website, and for good reason – this place really is a gem.

Located in the pretty seaside village of Rathmullan, this beautiful 4-star house is situated right on the shores of Lough Swilly.

It’s the perfect place for some quality family time on the Wild Atlantic Way, with beautiful gardens and a pool to relax in.

Family rooms include:

• One double bed and two singles
• Interconnecting rooms for up to six guests
• Additional travel cots available
• Free Wi-Fi

Family amenities and activities

• Babysitting available on request
• Heated indoor pool
• TV room with DVDs and games

Things to do nearby

• Rathmullan beach
• Arena 7 for family activities
• Tropical World

5. 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 accommodate up to eight people
• Two Smart TVs with child friendly apps
• Free Wi-Fi
• Tea and coffee making facilities

Family amenities and activities

• Little Diamonds Kid’s Club with arts and crafts, movie nights and games
• Outdoor playground
• Tennis and basketball court
• Babysitter service available

Things to do nearby

• Enniscrone Beach
• Water Point Aqua Park
• 18 Hole Pitch and Putt

6. Hodson Bay (Westmeath)

You’ll find Hodson Bay 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.

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.

Family rooms include

• One double bed and two singles
• Two-bedroom suites and interconnecting rooms for up to eight people
• Cots available on request
• Ensuite bathroom
• Free Wi-Fi
• Tea and coffee making facilities

Family amenities and activities

• Indoor swimming pool
• Kids activity camp during school holidays

Things to do nearby

• Baysports – home to the tallest waterslide in Ireland
• Lough Ree for kayaking and paddle boarding
• Glendeer Pet Farm

Section 4: Child friendly hotels in Ireland with excellent reviews

The final section of our guide to the best family hotels Ireland has to offer is packed with places to stay that have racked up excellent reviews over the years.

Below, you’ll find a mix of pocket-friendly stays and slightly more expensive escapes, many of which can be found near the coast.

1. The McWilliam Park Hotel (Mayo)

This highly reviewed 4-star hotel is widely regarded as one of the best family friendly hotels Ireland has to offer.

It’s situated in Claremorris, a stone’s throw from many of the best things to do in Mayo.

From the comfortable rooms to the array of activities, you’ll enjoy staying here just as much as the kids!

Family rooms include

• Double bed and one or two single beds
• Flatscreen TV with multiple channels
• Free Wi-Fi
• Tea and coffee making facilities

Family amenities and activities

• Kid’s Club in school holidays with arts and crafts, games and storytime
• Swimming pool

Things to do nearby

• Gruane Pet Farm and Play Centre
• Mayo Leisure Point with interactive activities and laser tag
• The National Museum

2. Waterford Castle Hotel (Waterford)

Next up is arguably one of the most unique family friendly hotels in Ireland in our 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 three or four bedrooms
• Kitchen and dining facilities
• Free Wi-Fi
• TV and DVD player

Family amenities and activities

• Tennis and basketball courts
• Playground
• Fairy trail in the woodlands
• Family picnics

Things to do nearby

• House of Waterford Crystal
• Mt Congreve Gardens
• Waterford Museum of Treasures
• Tramore Blue Flag beach

3. Newpark Hotel (Kilkenny)

We’re off to Kilkenny next to the award-winning, family-run Newpark Hotel, located on the edge of the historic city of Kilkenny. 

This place, like Delphi, is perfect for families looking to dive into a bit of adventure, with everything from a wildlife park to a fairy trail nearby.

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 rooms include:

• One double bed and two single beds in their Deluxe Family Rooms
• Two double beds and one single bed in their Superior Family Rooms
• Free Wi-Fi
• Interconnecting rooms for large families
• Travel cots available
• TV

Family amenities and activities

• Wildlife farm with alpacas, ponies, donkeys and more
• Go Karting track
• Kids Club available on weekends and in school holidays
• Adventure playground
• Fairy trail through the gardens

Things to do nearby

• Castlecomer Discovery Park
• Kilkenny Castle
• Kilkenny walking trails

4. The Knightsbrook (Meath)

The Knightsbrook in Meath is another award-winning family friendly hotel in Ireland, with the exception that this spot is also a golf resort.

The hotel is located in the heritage town of Trim, just 35 minutes from Dublin city centre. It’s an ideal place for family breaks with a range of family packages available.

Family rooms include:

• One double bed and two single beds
• Self-catering room options available
• Pull out bed available on request
• Tea and coffee making facilities

Family amenities and activities

• Childminding services with games, books, music and more
• Indoor children’s pool
• Family change room at the health club

Things to do nearby

• Tayto Park
• Funtasia Indoor Waterpark
• Dublin Zoo
• Boyne Valley Activities

5. Treacy’s West County Hotel (Clare)

Treacy’s West County Hotel is arguably one of the better-known family friendly hotels in Ireland, and probably the best-known in the Shannon and Clare region.

It’s located on the edge of Ennis and is the perfect gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s one of the largest convention centres in Ireland, also, and has plenty of entertainment facilities for the whole family.

Family rooms include:

• Double bed and two singles
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Free Wi-Fi
• Complimentary toiletries
• Iron and ironing boards
• Flat-screen TV

Family amenities and activities

• Mini T’s Kids Club available morning and evening for kids
• Leisure centre with a separate kid’s pool

Things to do nearby

• Bunratty Folk Park
• Moher Hill Pet Farm
• Aillwee Caves
• Burren Nature Sanctuary
• Blue flag beaches including, Lahinch, Doonbeg and Spanish Point

What family breaks in Ireland have we missed?

Although we’ve done our best with putting together this guide to the best family hotels Ireland has to offer, I’ve no doubt we’ve missed some great spots!

If you have any favourite family holidays in Ireland that you’d like to recommend, please shout in the comments below.

FAQs about the top family hotels Ireland has to offer

Since publishing this post late last year, we’ve had a handful of emails bounce into our inbox time and time again.

In the section below, I’ll answer the most FAQs that we receive about kid friendly hotels in Ireland. If you have one that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments.