Ireland is brimming with family-friendly hotels, resorts and guesthouses. From magical castle estates and cosy woodland lodges to beautiful coastal escapes and quiet countryside retreats, Ireland has accommodation to suit all families and all budgets. Here’s a guide to some of the loveliest family stays around the country, places that make travel with kids genuinely easy and full of magic and which have been tried and lovely by parents.
Cork: Woodland Resorts & Coastal Calm
Fota Island Resort
A family favourite nestled among the trees and just a short drive from Cork city. Spacious lodges and interconnecting rooms make it perfect for families, while the resort’s woodland walks, adventure playground, fairy trail and nearby Fota Wildlife Park will keep little ones happy and entertained.
Castlemartyr Resort
A stunning countryside estate with self-catering residences and acres of space for exploring. Kids love feeding the ducks at the lake, while parents can enjoy a touch of luxury without sacrificing convenience. Don't miss out on the delicious afternoon tea at Castlemartyr Resort, it's one of the best we've ever had. The lovely Garryvoe and Youghal beaches are a short drive away for family seaside days.
Clare: Castles, Playgrounds & Countryside Adventures
Dromoland Castle
For those looking for a fairy tale stay, this five-star castle hotel welcomes families with open arms. Children can join seasonal treasure hunts, try falconry or simply explore the estate’s magical gardens.
The Inn at Dromoland
Perfect for families who want Dromoland’s beauty without the castle price tag. The Inn has one of Ireland’s best indoor play zones, The Play Inn, a huge soft-play area with slides, ball pools and mazes. Add an outdoor playground, mini golf and family rooms that don’t break the bank. This is a brilliant, budget-friendly pick in County Clare. Read our review of our stay here.
Kerry: Coastal Charm on the Wild Atlantic Way
Parknasilla Resort & Spa
This resort is the stuff of Irish family-holiday dreams. The estate has fairy trails, treasure hunts and woodland walks galore. Families can stay in the hotel or opt for self-catering lodges. The sea views, combined with the calm pace of life, make it one for the memory books.
Dingle Skellig Hotel
Overlooking Dingle Bay, this family-run hotel is known for its warm welcome. There’s a children’s movie room, an indoor pool and even dedicated kids’ activities during school holidays. The town’s aquarium and beaches are just minutes away.
Wexford: Sunny Days & Easy Seaside Breaks
Riverside Park Hotel & Leisure Club
Sitting right on the River Slaney in Enniscorthy, this family-friendly hotel offers an indoor pool, playground and beautiful riverside walks. The family rooms are spacious and the leisure club has a dedicated children’s pool. It’s perfectly located for exploring Ireland’s Ancient East, beaches, heritage parks, and forest walks are all nearby.
Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa
One of Ireland’s best-known family resorts, set directly on Rosslare Beach. With pools, kids’ clubs, and seaside charm, it’s a classic that continues to delight generations.
Amber Springs Hotel
A great all-rounder in Gorey with large family rooms, an indoor play zone and an outdoor fun park. Close to Wexford’s beaches and brilliant for short breaks with young kids.
Limerick: Country Fun With a Family Touch
Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel
This hotel near Adare is a gem for families. It’s home to Woody’s Fun Club for children, an outdoor playground, a fairy trail, a mini pet farm and even a toddler soft play room. Parents can unwind in the spa or enjoy a peaceful meal while the kids make new friends. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and delightfully Irish, a perfect mix of countryside calm and fun-filled energy. Read my review of our stay here.
Kildare: Gardens, Space & Easy Family Escapes
Killashee Hotel
A favourite among Dublin families for its close-to-home yet holiday-worthy feel. The 55-acre estate has gardens, trails, and woodlands, plus a swimming pool, family-friendly dining, and spacious rooms that make traveling with kids a breeze. It’s an excellent mid-range choice — a touch of luxury that still feels down-to-earth and child-centred. Read the review of our stay here.
Galway: City Breaks With Countryside Calm
The Galmont Hotel & Spa
Overlooking Galway Bay, The Galmont is ideal for city explorers who still want comfort and calm. Family rooms, an 18-metre pool and proximity to Salthill and the aquarium make it an easy choice for short breaks.
Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate
A beautiful country estate just minutes from Galway city. The family rooms are spacious, the grounds are perfect for exploring, and there’s even a Pullman dining experience in old Orient Express carriages for a special treat.
Dublin: City Stays With Room to Roam
Castleknock Hotel
A family-friendly Dublin base close to Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo. The leisure centre has a pool for the kids and the grounds are lovely for walks after breakfast.
The Spencer Hotel
Ideal for families who want to stay right in the city. Spacious family rooms, a heated indoor pool, and a riverside setting make it great for rainy-day breaks or weekend getaways.
Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane
Near the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Dublin’s Docklands, this hotel offers a large leisure centre with a children’s pool and family-sized rooms perfect for exploring the capital.
Longford: Forest Escapes & All-Weather Fun
Center Parcs Longford Forest
The ultimate family resort for kids who love adventure. Think bike rides, woodland lodges, and a tropical swimming paradise. It’s an easy holiday where everything is designed with families in mind.
Choosing the Perfect Stay
When choosing where to stay, think about your family’s rhythm. If your little ones thrive on outdoor space, look for estates like Killashee, Parknasilla or the Woodlands House Hotel. For indoor fun, The Inn at Dromoland and Amber Springs have brilliant play areas for rainy days. Families who love the coast will adore Wexford and Kerry, while city-loving kids will be happiest splashing in Dublin’s hotels with pools.
Don’t forget to check the small details before booking, family room sizes, cots, interconnecting options and pool times for children. The hotels above are all used to welcoming families, so you can expect thoughtful touches like early dinner menus, kid-sized portions and plenty of space for buggies and giggles.
Family holidays in Ireland aren’t just about where you stay, they’re about the memories you make together: barefoot runs on the beach, bedtime stories after long countryside walks and morning swims before breakfast. Whether you choose a fairy tale castle, a cosy country hotel or a forest lodge, Ireland has something for every family and every budget.
