Combine medieval city with beautiful landscapes and Kilkenny will immediately pop up on your vacation radar. We’ve put together the best family hotels in Kilkenny for your vacation.
The 12th-century Kilkenny Castle, cute shops, a vibrant craft community – and a famous beer: there are tonnes of reasons why everyone should go to Kilkenny at least once. And with staycations being the new vacations, this year might just be a perfect time.
Surrounded by lush landscapes, hiking and biking trails and endless opportunities to explore, Kilkenny is also a great base for everyone with adventurous kids in tow. As we know the right hotel can make or break a vacation, we’ve checked out the options for you – see our list of the best family hotels in Kilkenny below.
10. Auburndale Bed & Breakfast – a family-run home away from home
Auburndale Bed & Breakfast has been around for almost 30 years. The regulars rave about both the location – walking trails, parks and gardens at your doorstep, the town centre a short drive away – and the welcoming atmosphere, with many describing it “a home away from home”.
The B&B offers special family rooms that sleep two adults and up to two kids. And the owners Teresa and Pat can point you to the best places for fishing, hiking and go-karting.
Price: Contact the B&B for current rates
Address: Springmount, Waterford Rd, Smithsland South, Kilkenny, Ireland
9. Langton House Hotel – a boutique hotel in a top-notch location
A four-star establishment in walking distance of Kilkenny Castle and all other major attractions, Langton House Hotel is a great base for exploring the city and its surroundings. The family-run boutique hotel has won several awards and is beloved for both its amenities and welcoming atmosphere.
While they don’t offer special kids activities themselves, the friendly and knowledgeable staff is more than happy to help you plan a fun-packed family-friendly vacation or staycation in Kilkenny.
Prices: from €145
Address: 67-69 John Street Lower, Kilkenny, R95 XN44, Ireland
8. Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel – an award-winning design hotel surrounded by all the sights
Award-winning four-star Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel is a great choice for everyone with a weak spot for design – not only is it one of the best family hotels in Kilkenny, but it’s also one of the most stylish ones you can find in town.
No time is wasted driving around as it is located right in the city centre, surrounded by all the main attractions, cafes, restaurants and bars. Its in-house Harpers Restaurant is beloved by hotel guests and locals alike, so make sure to book yourself in at least once.
Prices: from €130
Address: 1 Ormonde St, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 WTK3, Ireland
7. Kilkenny River Court Hotel – a quiet family retreat overlooking the city
Situated in a private yard on the banks of the River Nore, this is one of the best family hotels in Kilkenny for everyone looking for a central, yet quiet location. We love the stylish deco in their rooms and the views all over the city.
Its five family rooms (with a king size bed and two separate single ones) are ideal for everyone travelling with kids. And given that past guests keep raving about the in-house restaurant, we’d recommend booking a patio spot on your first night.
Prices: from €130
Address: The Bridge, John Street, Collegepark, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny, R95 Y104, Ireland
6. Kilkenny Pembroke Hotel – for a stylish family vacation with complimentary water fun
Located in the heart of the city, just behind Kilkenny Castle, this modern four-star boutique place is one of the best family hotels in Kilkenny. Cots are available for all rooms – from standard to castle view – and baby-changing facilities can be found throughout the hotel.
They also have a special kids menu at its restaurant. And if you are after some water fun, there’s complimentary passes to The Watershed, a nearby sports club that has both adult and kids pools and offers swimming lessons for the little ones among other family-friendly activities.
Prices: from €86
Address: 11 Patrick St, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 VNP4, Ireland
5. Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel – a kids’ paradise with a splash pool, family dining and DVDs
This fancy place in the heart of the city regularly scores high as one of the best family hotels in Kilkenny – and it’s easy to see why.
It has all the amenities you’d wish for in a family friendly holiday home, including extra-large rooms, a 21-metre swimming pool and a special kids pool, a family dining menu at the restaurant and an activity-packed kids club.
And in case you are unlucky with the weather, there are also tonnes of kids’ DVDs to keep your little ones entertained. A babysitter is available on request.
Prices: from €144
Address: Ormonde St, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 Y5CX, Ireland
4. Springhill Court Hotel & Leisure Club Kilkenny – a relaxed resort with kid’s entertainment
One of the most family friendly hotels in Kilkenny, this place a stone’s throw from the city centre features a leisure centre and its own kids club during school holidays.
Relax your muscles in the 19-metre pool, the steaming room or jacuzzi while your offspring muck around in the playground. This makes the Springhill Court Hotel not only a top place to stay but one of the best things to do in Kilkenny.
Its spacious family rooms can be equipped with cots and extra beds on request. And the in-house restaurants are sure to treat your little ones like VIPs.
Prices: from €124
Address: Waterford Road, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny, R95 NX32, Ireland
3. Hotel Kilkenny – a stylish holiday base with an in-house kids club
This stylish four-star-hotel is located in a quiet area and is a ten-minute walk from the city centre. It has 138 modern rooms decorated with Italian marble, French wallpaper and bespoke pieces of furniture, with the superior ones being especially suited for families.
There’s an award-winning restaurant on-site and a heated patio for cooler summer nights. It also has a kids club where your children can have a blast while you enjoy the indoor pool or work out at the gym, making it a truly great option for family hotel breaks in Kilkenny.
Prices: from €120
Address: College Rd, Sugarloafhill, Kilkenny, Ireland
2. Lyrath Estate – for luxury family hotel breaks in Kilkenny
If you really want to spoil yourself and your offspring, this five-star hotel in Ireland is the place to go. It is set amidst 170 acres of parkland and has all the amenities you’d expect from such a fancy hotel, including two award-winning restaurants, a 17-metre swimming pool, a steam room, jacuzzi and a splash pool for kids.
What really makes it stand out as a family retreat though is the literally endless choice of activities on the hotel grounds. There’s nature walks, ducks, rabbits and squirrels, a lake, a playground and even a kids club, making it one of the best family hotels in Kilkenny.
Prices: from €220
Address: Dublin Rd, Lyrath, Kilkenny, R95 F685, Ireland
1. Newpark Hotel Kilkenny – our winner of the best family hotels in Kilkenny
Set on the outskirts of Kilkenny, surrounded by over 40 acres of parkland, Newpark Hotel Kilkenny is a fun-packed oasis for the whole family. It was named ‘Family Friendly Hotel of the Year’ at the Georgina Campbell Irish Food & Hospitality Awards in 2020 and it certainly lives up the hype.
Besides large family and interconnecting rooms, it has go karting, an adventure playground and its own cute fairy trail on the hotel grounds and hosts regular family-friendly events.
And since every parent deserves a break once in a while, the ‘Crazy Cats Kids Club’ will keep your little ones busy while you can escape to the hotel spa.
Prices: from €200
Address: Castlecomer Rd, Newpark Lower, Kilkenny, R95 KP63, Ireland
