The Hotel Guru
The 16 Best Family Hotels in Ireland

The 16 Best Family Hotels in Ireland

Ireland is the perfect destination for a family holiday; with its rugged coastline, wild countryside, and abundance of outdoor pursuits, there are plenty of options to keep everyone entertained. Known for its warm hospitality there are a wide range of hotels that readily welcome guests travelling with children which can make picking the right hotel for you a tricky choice. This is where our hotel experts come in. Our hand-picked collection of the best family hotels in Ireland have been chosen for their location, style, activity choices, and cuisine. From five-star luxury offerings to charming boutiques there is something for everyone.

For a boutique

Victoria House Hotel has smart, individually styled, rooms. Family suites are ideal for those travelling with children and there's a kids menu in the widely acclaimed restaurant. A charming base to explore Killarney and its surrounds.
The Twelve is situated in the seaside village of Bearna, close to Galway. Chic rooms are luxurious and contemporary and there are family suites offered too. The award-winning restaurant and indulgent spa make this an appealing choice for grown-ups too.

For a coastal stay

Seafield Golf & Spa Hotel is set beside a beautiful stretch of unspoilt sandy beach in County Wexford. The resort offers an award-winning spa and its own golf course. Choose the Gate Lodge for self-contained family accommodation.
Connemara Coast Hotel is a luxurious hotel boasting a spectacular setting overlooking the dramatic Connemara coastline. Interiors are chic and modern, there's an indulgent spa and a choice of two restaurants. While, for children, there's a kids club and outdoor playground.

For foodies

LIss Ard House & Lodge in County Cork has 25 luxurious rooms set across three separate properties. Families will find plenty of activities to keep everyone busy while the restaurant governed by the Slow Food movement is a treat for all.
Hunter's Yard Hotel is a beautiful Georgian estate and five-star hotel in picturesque County Kilkenny. Families are well catered for with dedicated suites and numerous activities for children. Pick this hotel to dine at the Michellin Plate awarded restaurant, The Hound.
Gregans Castle Hotel is an 18th-century manor house hotel set in a scenic spot along the Wild Atlantic Way in County Clare. Boasting an award-winning restaurant the hotel is also very family friendly, some rooms even have a small private garden area where little ones can stay active.

For a country escape

Lyrath Estate is set in 170 acres of County Kilkenny parkland replete with woodlands and lakes. Family suites are available for those travelling with younger children and there's a splash pool for kids too. Meanwhile, the spa will please any parent!
Cliff at Lyons offers smart modern rooms in a privileged location set beside the Grand Canal in County Kildare. Private apartments and country cottages are ideal for families. The Orangery restaurant and cosy bar make this a chic stay.

For the activities

Lough Eske Castle Hotel is a magnificent castle set amidst the abundant beauty of rural Donegal. Interiors are elegant and traditional. With an abundance of activities on offer from sailing to cycling, this is an appealing choice for families.
Castlemartyr Resort has everything a family holiday may require. For adults, there's a spa, golf course, and selection of restaurants. While children will be kept entertained with the wide variety of activities available from archery to fishing. All set amid spectacular County Cork countryside.
Brook Lane Hotel offers sumptuous accommodation in the Ring of Kerry. The very friendly staff and children specific in-house activities makes this a great choice for families. Better yet, there are a plethora of things to do in the area from seal spotting to diving.

For luxury

Sheen Falls Lodge is a five-star luxury country estate set in the Kerry countryside. With activities for everyone from croquet to yoga classes there is something for eveyone here.
Parknasilla Resort is a luxury hotel and spa boasting a spectacular setting with a backdrop of the Kerry Mountains and sea views. Children are very well catered for and there's a number of activities for everyone to get involved in.
Dromoland Castle, in County Clare, is an imposing castle set in 450 acres of parkland and boasting its own18-hole championship golf course. Rooms are suitably grand while the restaurant is highly acclaimed. There's a wide range of rural activities on offer making this perfect for families.
Killarney Park Hotel is a luxurious five-star property set in the quaint town of Killarney. Family rooms make this a comfortable option for those travelling with children. With all the luxury trimmings this is an indulgent stay.

For a Dublin break

Gleeson's Townhouse is a stylish home away from home. Rooms are chic and contemporary and the spacious suites are ideal for families. The cosy pub has a laid-back feel. A great option for a city break with the kids.
Herbert Park Hotel is a smart hotel set in the heart of historic Dublin. Triple interconnecting suites make this a great choice for families travelling with older children. A stylish choice complete with a gourmet restaurant and high tea available.

Still not sure?

Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Ireland.
Or you could expand your search to include our Guru's recommendations for the best castle hotels in Ireland or the best hotels in Ireland with a hot tub or the best luxury hotels in Ireland or the best hotels in Ireland with a pool
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- Victoria House Hotel Killarney 33 rooms from £73
  
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  Foodies  -  With an acclaimed restaurant onsite serving the best in locally sourced ingredients, foodies are well looked-after at this hotel
  Families  -  Family suites at this hotel are perfect for parents travelling with children, and there is a kids' menu in the restaurant, too
  Local exploring  -  With Killarney town centre and a national park close by, there is lots to explore local to this hotel
  Great walks  -  Go walking in the Killarney National Park, a beautiful area of natural beauty and the first national park in Ireland
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  This smart, family-run hotel is tucked away in Killarney, Ireland. The individually dressed guestrooms are comfortable and stylish with contemporary interior design; opt for a luxury suite for an indulgent hot tub bath. Dine at the hotel's award-winning restaurant after a day sightseeing in Kerry. See More
  
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- Seafield Golf & Spa Hotel Gorey, County Wexford 131 rooms from £86
  
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  Families  -  The Gate Lodge is perfect for groups or families.
  Spa breaks  -  Winner of the Tatler Hotel Spa of the Year 2012.
  Great walks  -  Gardens at Marlfield House
  Sights nearby  -  Wells House and Gardens
  
  A quiet luxury retreat with spa and golf course just an hour from Dublin. Fantastic for groups, families and weddings. Beautiful sea views from crisp bedrooms - some with balconies. Perfectly unspoilt sandy beaches are great for long walks. A charming and quiet spot, ideal for a weekend getaway. See More
  
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- Connemara Coast Hotel Galway, County Galway 141 rooms from £95
  
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  Country Escape  -  Set on the Wild Atlantic Way and the shores of Galway Bay, a rugged spot to explore picturesque Connemara from
  Families  -  With a kids club, outdoor playground and excellent family accommodation, this is ideal for a family break.
  Kids Club  -  There's a kids club for morning and evening activities which is open during the school holidays.
  Spa  -  There are a wide range of holistic treatments and therapies available
  
  A luxurious contemporary hotel boasting a spectacular setting overlooking the dramatic Connemara coastline. Chic interiors are fresh and modern with large expanses of glass to fully take in the views. There's also an indulgent spa and two restaurants. A spoiling option for a rural getaway. See More
  
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- Liss Ard House & Lodge Skibbereen, County Cork 25 rooms from £95
  
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  Child friendly  -  Liss Ard has extensive family facilities, including qualified child minders
  Fishing  -  The estate includes Lough Abisdealy and boats can be provided
  Country Escape
  Great walks  -  Woodland and riverside walks on the doorstep
  Recommended by  -  I Escape, Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  With luxury accommodation split amongst three different locations you can choose Country House, Garden Mews or Lake Lodge. Rooms are contemporary and sleek, and Liss Ard is very family friendly with numerous activities on site. Cuisine is governed by "slow food" rules. Perfect for a country escape. See More
  
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- The Twelve Barna, County Galway 48 rooms from £108
  
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  Hideaway  -  Set in a charming village on the Galway coast with a spa and acclaimed restaurant, this hotel makes the perfect luxury bolt-hole
  Local exploring  -  There is lots to explore close to the hotel; see the coast on a long walk or rent bikes in the village and explore nearby Galway
  Families  -  This hotel caters to families well, with spacious family suites that can accommodate children
  Great walks  -  Take a long walk and discover the best coastal paths on this stretch of the Irish coast; enquire at the hotel for routes
  
  A modern hotel in the quaint village of Barna with a destination restaurant and one of Ireland’s finest wine lists. Sophisticated guestrooms and spacious suites. The location, a stone’s throw from Barna pier is perfect for a brisk morning walk after a hearty breakfast in Pins Gastro Bar. See More
  
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- Lough Eske Castle Hotel & Spa County Donegal 96 rooms from £157
  
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  Families  -  The perfect spot for a rural getaway, with plenty of space and lots of activities to keep the little ones busy!
  Local exploring  -  In a superb location on the shores of Lough Eske and only a ten minute drive from the town.
  Spa  -  Cara Organic Beauty Spa with thermal suite, infinity pool and extensive range of restorative treatments.
  Fishing  -  Great place for fishing, bring your catch back to the hotel and learn how to cook from the experts!
  
  A magnificent castle set amidst the abundant beauty of rural Donegal. Rooms are luxurious and spacious, adorned with comfortable, tasteful furnishings. In the day unwind in the hotel's extensive spa and at night enjoy delicious locally sourced seafood in the Cedars Grill. A rural Irish gem. See More
  
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- Castlemartyr Resort County Cork 103 rooms from £136
  
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  Country Escape  -  A sprawling estate offering luxury accommodation and outdoor pursuits abound. An indulgent rural escape
  Golf  -  Play a round on the property's own Ron Kirby designed 18-hole links style course
  Great walks  -  Take a walk along one of the three marked trails (the hotel's resident dogs will happily accompany guests)
  Spa  -  There are 10 treatment rooms and a couples's suite, plus vitality lounge, pool, sauna....
  
  A luxury family-friendly offering set within 220 acres of spectacular countryside in County Cork. Spacious rooms are traditionally styled and feature indulgent marble bathrooms complete with White Company products. A spoiling spa, golf course and choice of restaurants complete the picture. See More
  
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- Brook Lane Hotel Kenmare 20 rooms from £139
  
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  Local exploring  -  Abundance of activities on the doorstep, with sea fishing, golf, walks and wildlife
  Families  -  Lovely activites for children with Lorge Chocolate Factory and Adopt a Sheep farm
  Diving  -  Kenmare Bay Diving Club is located in Lauragh on the spectacular Beara peninsula
  Fishing  -  Boat fishing, shore angling or charter a boat on Kenmare Bay
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays, Good Hotel Guide
  
  Splendid hotel in the Ring of Kerry. Sumptuous rooms have modern art, dark velvet furnishings and chandeliers. Charming fireplace lounges and excellent restaurant offering locally sourced and organic dishes; unmissable breakfasts. Very friendly staff. See More
  
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- Sheen Falls Lodge Kenmare (County Kerry) 66 rooms from £139
  
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  Child friendly  -  The hotel has children's menus, free bikes, board games and a wide selection of DVDs
  Fishing  -  The hotel has a resident ghillie who can plan residents' fishing expeditions
  5* Luxury  -  Very high service standards.
  Spa  -  Easana Wellness & Spa includes sauna, steam room, hot tub, 5 treatment rooms, hair & beauty salon, and a range of therapies.
  Recommended by  -  CN Traveller, Relais & Chateaux
  
  Situated amid stunning Kerry countryside with views over the Sheen Falls from almost every room. Family friendly five star luxury country retreat with activities for everyone. Borrow a bike, go fishing with the ghillie or simply relax in the spa then indulge in gourmet Irish cuisine. See More
  
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- Gleeson's Townhouse Dublin (Booterstown) 16 rooms from £140
  
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  Families  -  The spacious suites are great for people travelling with children, and the restaurant is child-friendly too
  Romantic Break  -  Couples will love the comfy beds and homely feel to this hotel, plus the award-winning pub downstairs
  Hideaway  -  With cosy rooms, a pub, restaurant and shop all on-site, this is a great Dublin bolt-hole
  Sights nearby  -  Take a bus into Dublin's city centre and visit the historic sights, from Christ's Church Cathedral to the Kilmainham Gaol
  
  A new boutique hotel situated in Blackrock, South Dublin. The ambitious renovation of this family home has resulted in spacious, modern rooms with lots of light and classic interior design. Enjoy a homemade pie at Gleeson's Corner, or have a pint at the cosy pub. A stylish home away from home. See More
  
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- Parknasilla Resort County Kerry 83 rooms from £140
  
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  Active Holiday  -  With its own golf course and plenty of outdoor pursuits on offer this the perfect spot for those who like active holidays
  Spa breaks  -  The indulgent spa features a fabulous indoor pool, a selection of outdoor hot tubs, and an array of treatments
  Local exploring  -  Perfectly located for exploring both the Ring of Kerry and Wild Atlantic Way
  Restaurant  -  Various dining options including fine dining at the Pygmalion Restaurant which features modern Irish cuisine
  
  A luxury hotel and spa boasting a spectacular setting with a backdrop of the Kerry Mountains and sea views. Spacious rooms are contemporary and bright with large planes of glass yet there's a traditional feel with chandeliers and antiques. The spa is utterly indulgent; a chic country escape. See More
  
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- Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence Dublin 153 rooms from £161
  
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  Families  -  With triple, interconnecting rooms in the family suites, this hotel is perfect for families travelling with older children
  City Style  -  Located in Dublin's historic centre, this hotel is a great base for exploring the local sights on a city break
  Romantic Break  -  With cosy interior décor and a romantic terrace lounge, this hotel is perfect for couples on a city getaway
  Sailing  -  The Surfdock Centre offers windsurfing and sailing courses; enquire at the hotel for more information
  
  A smart hotel in leafy south Dublin. Plush rooms offer soft carpets and luxurious linens, with stunning views over the expansive Herbert Park. The family rooms are great for travelling with children; dine at the gourmet restaurant or take afternoon tea in the terrace lounge. A stylish city break. See More
  
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- Hunter's Yard Hotel Thomastown, County Kilkenny 93 rooms from £165
  
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  Country Escape  -  Set on an idyllic Georgian estate in County Kilkenny, this hotel offers many rural delights from fishing to golf and riding
  Families  -  Families are well-catered for at this hotel, with family rooms available and great activities for children
  Foodies  -  Dine at the hotel restaurant The Hound, awarded a Michelin Plate and two AA rosettes
  Fishing  -  Go fishing in the River Nore; the hotel has a fishing room onsite and all the equipment you could need
  
  Set on a verdant, Georgian country estate, this five-star hotel offers a luxury escape from the city. Duck feather pillows promise a restful night's sleep in the hotel's bright guestrooms; book a suite for a marble-topped bathtub. Dine at the acclaimed hotel restaurant, The Hound. A stylish getaway. See More
  
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- Dromoland Castle Co. Clare, County Clare 99 rooms from £269
  
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  Active Holiday  -  Boasting its own golf course and numerous other rural pursuits this is perfect destination for those who like to get outdoors
  Golf  -  Play a round on the impressive 18-hole championship course on the property grounds
  Country Escape  -  An imposing castle set in acres of manicured grounds; a luxurious rural escape
  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor pool
  
  An imposing castle set in 450 acres of parkland and boasting its own 18-hole championship golf course. Rooms are suitably grand with a heady blend of traditional style with contemporary luxuries. The restaurant is highly acclaimed and there's a wide range of rural activities on offer. See More
  
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- Gregans Castle Hotel Ballyvaughan, County Clare 21 rooms from £204
  
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  Child friendly  -  There are a selection of family rooms some with direct access to their own garden area.
  Foodies  -  3 AA Rosette standard fine dining.
  Outstanding location
  Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
  Recommended by  -  CN Traveller, Sawdays
  
  18th-century manor house hotel with literary connections within a scenic national park in Western Ireland. Rooms have stylish contemporary decor and views are sublime. Very family friendly, some rooms even have a small private garden area, and dogs are welcome too. See More
  
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- Killarney Park Hotel Killarney 67 rooms from £191
  
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  Local exploring  -  Ideally located to enjoy the quintessentially Irish town of Killarney as well as the surrounding countryside.
  Total relaxation  -  Complete with fabulous spa, exemplary restaurant and five star service, wish for nothing at this property.
  Great walks  -  Explore the Killarney National Park just minutes from the property.
  Kayaking  -  Paddle across one of the scenic Lakes of Killarney.
  
  A luxurious 5 star property in the quaint town of Killarney. Traditionally styled rooms are light and airy with large sash windows, antique furniture and contemporary bathrooms. A spoiling spa and indoor pool are the perfect place to unwind after a day in the great outdoors. Fabulous. See More
  
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