Looking for somewhere the whole family can enjoy in Ireland? Look no further! Here are our ten best family hotels in Ireland.
Renowned for its hospitality, thousands visit the Emerald Isle every year to experience the magic on offer. As Ireland is the land of a hundred thousand welcomes, there are countless incredible hotels to choose from when booking a family getaway.
Whether you are planning your next family staycation or a family getaway to the Emerald Isle, there are so many incredible family hotels to choose from. We have narrowed it down to the ten best family hotels in Ireland to make any decision-making easier.
Offering plenty of activities, stunning views, and cosy double bedrooms, these are the ten best family hotels in Ireland!
Ireland Before You Die’s top tips for visiting Ireland:
- No matter where you’re based, a car is the best way to explore the island at your convenience. For tips on renting a car during your stay, check out our handy guide.
- Come prepared for the changeable Irish weather. Check the forecast and pack accordingly. And bring a raincoat anyway just in case!
- There are so many nature walks all around the country, so bring your walking shoes.
- If your trip takes in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, bear in mind you’ll need two different currencies. The Republic of Ireland uses the euro while Northern Ireland uses the pound.
- Phone signal can be unreliable, so download or take a hard copy of any maps you may need.
The rundown ‒ our top picks for the best family hotels in Ireland
Five-star hotel: Merrion Hotel, Co. Dublin
Spa hotel: Parknasilla Resort and Spa, Co. Kerry
Luxury hotel: Hotel Westport, Co. Mayo
City hotel: Butler House and Garden, Co. Kilkenny
Seaside hotel: Dingle Skellig Hotel, Co. Kerry
Countryside hotel: Druid’s Glen Resort, Co. Wicklow
Dublin hotel: Camden Court Hotel, Co. Dublin
Northern Ireland hotel: Roe Park Resort, Co. Derry
Cork hotel: Fota Island Resort, Co. Cork
Galway hotel: Delphi Resort, Co. Galway
The best family hotels in Ireland – tips and advice
Whether you’re looking for luxurious accommodation or a budget-friendly stay, there are plenty of options for planning a family trip to Ireland. Here are some tips before you go:
Booking.com: The best site for booking family hotels in Ireland.
When to book: NEVER book last minute! Family hotels in Ireland are in high demand. Your trip will be much better value, and you will get to stay in the best hotels by booking at least three months in advance.
Where to stay in Ireland – the best places for families on the Emerald Isle
Dublin: With numerous activities for all ages, Dublin is the perfect destination for your Irish holiday. Offering an extensive range of luxury family hotels and great attractions, this historic city has something for everyone.
Northern Ireland: Whether you want to enjoy beautiful sea views, head off on a hiking adventure, or wander the streets of a historic city, Northern Ireland has it all. You can find lots of popular family hotels in Belfast, but also in quaint towns and any seaside village around the country.
Cork: From the bustling town centre to the breathtaking coastline where you can discover a Blue Flag Beach on every corner, County Cork is a great location for a family getaway. With plenty of luxury family hotels to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice regarding accommodation.
Galway: From the beautiful Galway City to the majestic Connemara National Park, this stunning county along the Wild Atlantic Way offers the ultimate family getaway. From beautiful sea views to top-class restaurants and epic Irish culture to luxury family hotels, the reasons to visit Galway are endless.
1. Parknasilla Resort, Co. Kerry – an activity haven
Overview: Intending to make everyone’s stay as memorable as possible, this Kerry hotel really sets the bar. From a welcome activity pack to the tons of children’s DVDs and board games, the hotel keeps the kids busy from the moment they arrive.
There will never be a dull moment with onsite games rooms and outdoor activities such as archery and kayaking. They have a heated indoor swimming pool, but for those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the wild Atlantic Ocean is on its doorstep!
This hotel is close to… SNEEM!
This hotel is perfect for… A FAMILY BREAK ON THE COAST!
IN HIGH DEMAND: This is an extremely popular hotel. NEVER book last minute! To avoid disappointment, we suggest booking well in advance.
Facilities here include:
- Contemporary hotel rooms and luxury suites
- Award-winning spa facilities and health club
- The Doolittle Bar and Pygmalion Restaurant
- Nine-hole parkland golf course
- Plenty of kid-friendly activities
Address: Derryquin, Parknasilla, Co. Kerry, V93 EK71, Ireland
2. The Merrion Hotel, Co. Dublin – feel like royalty
Overview: This five-star hotel in Dublin City Centre goes out of its way to make younger guests feel welcome. From in-room amenities to keep them entertained to a special junior room service menu, they are going to be spoilt!
Take a dip in the pool before warming up in fluffy mini-bathrobes while enjoying a delicious mocktail. There is also a fantastic gym and steam room for grownups to enjoy!
This hotel is close to… DUBLIN CITY CENTRE!
This hotel is perfect for… A LUXURY CITY BREAK!
IN HIGH DEMAND: This is an extremely popular hotel. NEVER book last minute! To avoid disappointment, we suggest booking well in advance.
Facilities here include:
- Luxurious accommodation in Dublin City Centre
- The Merrion Spa and Health Club
- Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, The Cellar Bar, and The Garden Room
- No. 23 Cocktail Bar
- Junior room service
Address: The Merrion Hotel, Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland
READ MORE: The Ireland Before You Die guide to visiting Dublin with kids.
3. Dingle Skellig Hotel, Co. Kerry – one of the best family hotels in Ireland
Overview: Nestled on the most westerly peninsula in Europe, this family-friendly hotel does not disappoint! They offer a large selection of family rooms available, including interconnecting rooms.
Offering a creche alongside an incredible kids club, parents can relax knowing that their little ones are enjoying themselves in a safe environment. Every evening the hotel offers a Junior Evening Meal, which has an extensive three-course menu with nutritional favourites as well!
This hotel is close to… DINGLE!
This hotel is perfect for… A COASTAL ESCAPE!
Facilities here include:
- Comfortable rooms and suites
- Plenty of family activities
- Blaskets Bar, Binn Bàn Brasserie, and Gallarus Lounge
- Fantastic pool and spa facilities
Address: Farran, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 D5X2, Ireland
4. Camden Court Hotel, Co. Dublin – catering to all your family’s needs
Overview: Catering to big kids and little kids alike, the Camden Court Hotel offers an idyllic Irish holiday. On request family, rooms can come stocked with a treasure chest full of toys, a bean bag, and even a PlayStation!
There is a leisure centre onsite so that everyone can let off some steam. For those with babies, you will be glad to hear that rooms are kitted out with a microwave and fridge, which is a necessity!
This hotel is close to… DUBLIN CITY CENTRE!
This hotel is perfect for… A RELAXING CITY BREAK!
Facilities here include:
- Comfortable rooms and suites
- The Iveagh Restaurant and Camden Yard
- Leisure centre and gym
- Lots of kid-friendly activities
Address: Camden Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin, D02 W086, Ireland
5. Fota Island Resort, Co. Cork – a dream family holiday
Overview: This five-star hotel situated just ten minutes from Cork City offers an unforgettable family getaway. Choose between gorgeous hotel rooms, penthouse suites or their luxury self-catering lodges; it’s easy to see why this is one of the best family hotels in Ireland.
Enjoy the outdoor playground, an indoor playroom, and kids club. With the Fota Wildlife Park only a few minutes away, all members of your family are sure to enjoy this wild and wonderful family break.
This hotel is close to… FOTA WILDLIFE PARK!
This hotel is perfect for… LOTS OF ACTIVITIES!
IN HIGH DEMAND: This is an extremely popular hotel. NEVER book last minute! To avoid disappointment, we suggest booking well in advance.
Facilities here include:
- Five-star luxury hotel rooms and lodges
- Three onsite golf courses
- Accessible to Fota Wildlife Park
- The Amber Lounge, Cove Restaurant, and The Clubhouse
- World-class spa facilities
Address: Fota Island Resort, Co. Cork, T45 HX62, Ireland
MORE: Ireland Before You Die’s list of things to do with kids in County Cork.
6. Hotel Westport, Co. Mayo – for one of the best family hotels in Ireland
Overview: This picturesque estate has 400 acres of land just waiting to be explored. Grab a Pirate Explorer Pack and embark on an expedition as you follow the clues around the magnificent grounds. Splash about in their leisure centre before hiring a bike to explore the area overlooked by Croagh Patrick!
This hotel is close to… WESTPORT!
This hotel is perfect for… SCENIC SURROUNDINGS!
Facilities here include:
- Luxury rooms and suites with flat-screen TVs
- Island’s Restaurant, The Maple Lounge, and Gracy’s Pizzeria, Bar, and Bistro
- World-class leisure centre and spa facilities
- Family entertainment and free bike hire
- 400 acres of woodland, trails, and walks
Address: The Demesne, Westport, Co. Mayo, F28 E438, Ireland
7. Delphi Resort, Co. Galway – for the thrill-seeking families
Overview: As Ireland’s leading adventure and spa resort, this Connemara getaway is the perfect place for adventurous families. With options to stay in a family room, family suite, or in the resort’s onsite hostel, there is something for everyone!
Although there are no televisions in the rooms, there are so many ways to be amused in this beautiful family hotel. Partake in some of the many land and water-based activities such as ziplining, rafting, and surfing before heading to the kid’s club for some more fun. This location is one of the best places to go ziplining in Ireland.
This hotel is close to… CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK!
This hotel is perfect for… AN ACTIVE BREAK!
IN HIGH DEMAND: This is an extremely popular hotel. NEVER book last minute! To avoid disappointment, we suggest booking well in advance.
Facilities here include:
- Four-star hotel rooms and suites
- The 814 Restaurant and Bar and Wild Atlantic Café
- Lots of adventure activities
- Top-class spa facilities
- Yoga retreats
Address: Delphi Adventure Resort, Tawnyinlough, Leenaun, Co. Galway, Ireland
LEARN MORE: The IB4UD guide to things to do with kids in Galway.
8. Druid’s Glen Resort, Co. Wicklow – a hidden sanctuary
Overview: Situated on 360 acres of countryside between the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea, this five-star hotel provides kids and grownups with a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
With a great range of activities, an outdoor playground, an indoor swimming pool, and an extensive DVD library with plenty of kids’ movies, there is so much to do with children. There is even a baby pantry with a bottle steriliser, microwave, and dishwasher!
This hotel is close to… THE WICKLOW MOUNTAINS!
This hotel is perfect for… PLENTY TO SEE AND DO!
Facilities here include:
- 145 spacious guestrooms and suites
- Hugo’s Restaurant, the Garden Rooms and Bar, and Sycamore Lounge
- Fantastic spa and health club facilities
- Two championship golf courses
- Outdoor kids’ playground
Address: Leabeg Upper, Newtown Mount Kennedy, Co. Wicklow, A63 DW08, Ireland
9. Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa, Co. Wexford – parents will love it here
Overview: This Rosslare hotel caters to children of all ages along with their parents. Children have the opportunity to join their ‘Pirates Club’, where there are so many events and activities.
There is a leisure centre with two swimming pools alongside a jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna. If that isn’t enough, they serve a special children’s dinner each evening, followed by a disco!
Between 7 pm and 9 pm, parents can dine in peace with the knowledge that their children are being looked after in a supervised children’s playroom.
This hotel is close to… ROSSLARE!
This hotel is perfect for… A RELAXING SPA BREAK!
Facilities here include:
- Comfortable rooms, suites, and lodges
- Beaches Restaurant, Ivy Room Restaurant, and La Marine Bistro
- SeaSpa facilities, including a seawater vitality pool and bio sauna
- Plenty of leisure activities
- Supervised children’s playroom
Address: Doogans Warren, Rosslare, Co. Wexford, Y35 Y83V, Ireland
10. Castle Oaks House Hotel, Co. Limerick – a riverside retreat
Overview: On the banks of the River Shannon, this 18th-century manor house is the perfect place for a tranquil family break. With scenic walks and Fairy Woods all within close proximity to the hotel, there is something for everyone.
Offering family rooms and family suites, families of all sizes are catered for. They have a stunning indoor pool, tennis courts, a children’s playground, and a seasonal kids’ club.
This hotel is close to… LIMERICK CITY!
This hotel is perfect for… A KID-FRIENDLY RETREAT!
Facilities here include:
- Comfortable hotel rooms and suites
- River Leisure Club
- Tennis courts and indoor pool
- Seasonal kids’ club and children’s playground
- Luxurious onsite dining options
Address: Stradbally, Castleconnell, Co. Limerick, V94 EH94, Ireland
RELATED: IB4UD’s guide to visiting Limerick with children.
Notable mentions
Five-star hotels: Mount Juliet Estate, Co. Kilkenny; Muckross House Hotel, Co. Kerry; Lyrath Estate, Co. Kilkenny
Spa hotels: Amber Springs Hotel, Co. Wexford; Killarney Park Hotel, Co. Kerry; Mount Wolseley Hotel, Co. Carlow
Luxury hotels: Knightsbrook Hotel, Co. Meath; Hodson Bay Hotel, Co. Roscommon; Kilronan Castle, Co. Roscommon
City hotels: Newpark Hotel, Co. Kilkenny; Salthill Hotel, Co. Galway; The Savoy Hotel Limerick, Co. Limerick
Seaside hotels: Diamond Coast Hotel, Co. Sligo; Connemara Coast Hotel, Co. Galway; Mulranny Park Hotel, Co. Donegal
Countryside hotels: Renvyle House Hotel, Co. Galway; Breaffy House Resort and Breaffy Woods Hotel, Co. Mayo; Wineport Lodge, Co. Westmeath
Dublin hotels: Castleknock Hotel; Roganstown Hotel and Country Club; Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge
Northern Ireland hotels: Lough Erne Resort and Spa, Co. Fermanagh; Armagh City Hotel, Co. Armagh; Slieve Donard Hotel and Spa, Co. Down
Cork hotels: Castlemartyr Resort; The Montenotte Hotel; Kinsale Hotel and Spa
Galway hotels: Connacht Hotel; Galway Bay Hotel; Park House Hotel
Your questions answered about the best family hotels in Ireland
If you’ve still got questions, we’re here to help. In this section, we answer some of our readers’ most frequently asked questions and those that are most commonly searched for online.
Where is good for family holidays in Ireland?
There are lots of great locations for family holidays in Ireland. Our top picks include Dublin and Wicklow, Northern Ireland, County Kerry, and County Galway.
Is Ireland suitable for families?
Yes! Offering a wide range of family-friendly activities and outdoor pursuits, Ireland is the ideal choice for family holidays.
What do kids like to do in Ireland?
There are plenty of great activities for children in Ireland. From Dublin Zoo to kid-friendly museums and outdoor pursuits to sandy beaches, there are lots of activities for kids to enjoy.
