Self catering is a great option for families of all sizes — but sometimes it’s nice to have the facilities of a hotel on-site too. We’ve rounded up the best self catering options for families at hotels in Ireland, all recommended by parents who’ve stayed there.
Every option below comes with the benefit of on-site hotel facilities, so the whole family can relax, spread out, and enjoy your break together — cooking your own meals when you want to, and stepping into the pool, kids’ club or restaurant when you don’t.
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now and get our FREE newsletters packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions.
Self Catering Options for Families at Hotels in Ireland
The Schull Hotel & Self Catering Resort, Cork
The self catering accommodation at the Schull Harbour Hotel boasts spectacular sea views over the Atlantic Ocean towards the Fastnet Lighthouse. It’s the perfect base for exploring the Mizen Peninsula and beyond with friends or family.
Guests can choose from a two or three bedroom apartment sleeping up to six, with ample living space, beautifully appointed family bathrooms with Jacuzzi baths, and modern kitchens.
There are plenty of family-friendly activities on the doorstep, including:
- Deep Blue Health Club with a 16m pool, gym, sauna, steam room and children’s pool on-site
- Playground across the road
- Tennis and basketball courts
- Beaches with sailing, paddle boarding and kayaking
- Walking
- Cycling
- Wildlife centres
- Planetarium
- Events throughout the year
Rackets and balls are available from reception for guests, and access to the Deep Blue Health Club is complimentary.
At Schull Harbour Hotel Self Catering apartments, they know that sometimes you want to cook your own meals while on holiday — that’s why everything you need is provided for preparing a meal in the comfort of your own apartment. If you’d rather relax and take in the Atlantic views, there are two dining options too: the Gracie Blue Bar for a casual lunch or dinner, and the Restaurant for breakfast and evening dining, both serving fresh, locally sourced food.
Find out more and book your self-catering stay at The Schull Harbour Hotel Apartments
Self Catering at The Connacht Hotel, Galway
One parent told us the Connacht Hotel’s self catering family apartments are “very family friendly”, with the added benefit of the hotel’s leisure centre and kids club.
Apartments are one or two bedrooms, each with an en-suite power shower and bath, and a fully equipped kitchen. The two-bedroom apartments sleep 5 adults, or 2 adults and 4 children. The kids club is available to guests during school holidays.
If you’d prefer to stay in the hotel itself, the Bunk Bed Family Rooms have a double bed and triple bunks sleeping up to 3 children, or there are refurbished family suites with one or two bedrooms and a kitchenette.
For rates and packages, book via www.theconnacht.ie or contact the hotel directly to check current reservation details.
You May Also Enjoy The Best Family Friendly Hotel Pools in Ireland
Self Catering Resort Houses at Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Carlow
The self catering resort houses at Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in Carlow are a great option for extended family trips — some of the party can stay in the main hotel, while those with kids opt for the resort houses, giving everyone flexibility.
The houses sit close to the main hotel entrance and offer a real home-from-home feel. Choose from 16 elegant four-bedroom self-catering resort houses, each accommodating up to 7 people across 1,650 square feet, with all the comforts of home.
Resort house guests enjoy complimentary use of the leisure facilities, including a 20-metre swimming pool and children’s pool. Kids can make use of the playground and zip wire outdoors, while younger children have a soft playroom and family den, and teenagers have a fully equipped Teen Zone with games and a snooker table. There are also local attractions nearby, such as Rathwood Lifestyle & Garden Centre and The Chocolate Garden of Ireland.
Find out more and book your self catering stay here
You May Also Enjoy Unusual Places to Visit In Ireland with Kids
Self Catering at Delphi Resort, Galway
Located in the heart of the breathtaking Delphi Valley near Leenane in Connemara, Delphi Resort is one of Ireland’s leading family holiday destinations, with an on-site adventure centre offering both land and water-based activities.
Expect fun, adventure and memory-making — there are more than 20 adventure activities to enjoy at the on-site adventure centre.
Alongside the 4* Delphi Resort Hotel, families, individuals and groups can avail of self catering options at the Wild Atlantic Hostel, set in the grounds of Delphi Resort. It’s a budget-friendly option where visitors can still enjoy the resort’s Adventure Centre experiences, spa and dining facilities.
Family rooms are available with an en-suite, plus shared kitchen and leisure room access.
You May Also Enjoy 9 Amazing Family Adventure Centres in Ireland for Guaranteed Fun
The Gleneagle Hotel River Apartments, Killarney
One family who stayed in the river apartments at the Gleneagle Hotel told us they “slept 5 comfortably and were able to use all the facilities at the hotel.”
Each apartment has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a fully fitted kitchen. Pet-friendly too — up to 2 pets are allowed per apartment, with a pet bed and food/drink bowls provided.
River Apartment guests have access to a wide range of leisure facilities: a 25m swimming pool, kiddies’ pool, gym, squash and tennis courts, pitch and putt, snooker and a children’s activity centre — plus the Eager Eagles Kids Club and Chillzone entertainment during school holidays. And that’s before you factor in the 25,000 acres of National Park on the doorstep. Visit the hotel’s website to book.
You May Also Enjoy Our Favourite Mythical and Folklore Places to Visit in Ireland
Self Catering at The Kenmare Bay Hotel
Parents have recommended the self catering houses and lodges at the Kenmare Bay Hotel, with one family sharing a glowing testimonial after their stay.
Situated in the grounds of the Kenmare Bay Hotel, the two-bedroom lodges and three-bedroom houses offer all the convenience of a hotel with the privacy and flexibility of self catering.
Each unit comes with a fully equipped kitchen, living room with TV and an open fire. During summer months, a gas BBQ can be requested for outdoor eating on your own patio.
At the hotel, guests can access the pool (including a children’s pool), playroom, kids club (during school holidays) and a kids area in the restaurant, plus an on-site playground. The village of Kenmare is just a short walk away.
You May Also Enjoy 40 Fun Family Things to Do on The Ring of Kerry and Beyond
Mulranny Park Hotel, Mayo
The Mulranny Park Hotel in Mayo sits on the Western Greenway, just a stone’s throw from a beautiful, family-friendly sandy beach.
Alongside 4* hotel accommodation, they offer a range of two-bedroom apartments, giving you the option of self catering while still enjoying all the facilities of the hotel — including a pool and leisure centre, dining, and a kids club during school holidays.
You May Also Enjoy Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Ireland with Family Activities
Parknasilla Resort & Spa, Kerry
The Parknasilla Resort & Spa on the Ring of Kerry offers 500 acres of parkland to explore, with family-friendly activities ranging from sea kayaking to tennis and golf. There are fairy and treasure trails, owl displays, a playground, swimming pool, and a teen hideout, among plenty more.
Self catering options include Courtyard Lodges with 2 double bedrooms (1 twin), or Woodland Villas with 3 double bedrooms (at least 1 twin) — both just a few minutes’ stroll from the main hotel.
You May Also Enjoy Parents Recommend the Best Sandy Beaches in Ireland
Mount Falcon Estate, Mayo
Mount Falcon Estate sits on the banks of the River Moy in Mayo, set within 100 acres of parkland.
While visiting, families can try a fishing lesson, learn about hawks, falcons and owls, go clay pigeon shooting, take an archery lesson, cycle, run or walk the woodland trails, play 9 holes of golf, feed the ducks, explore the kitchen garden, or meet the head gardener and his bees. There’s also a swimming pool, gym and spa on-site.
Nestled within the grounds are luxurious self catering family lodges — Woodland, Courtyard and River — all with options to sleep up to 6 people. Guests can choose to eat in the hotel or prepare their own food in the well-equipped kitchen.
You May Also Enjoy Places to Find Magical Fairy Trails in Ireland
Self Catering at Clifden Station House, Galway
The self catering apartments at The Station Hotel in Clifden are set in a courtyard next to the hotel. Choose a 2 or 3 bedroom, self-contained apartment and enjoy all the facilities of the hotel, including the Kids Club, Swimming Pool & Leisure Centre and dining options.
From Clifden you can explore the many beaches, bays, mountains and stunning scenery of Connemara, and the Station House is within walking distance of all the town’s amenities.
You May Also Enjoy Top Hotels in Ireland Recommended for Families with More Than 2 Kids
Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort Self Catering, Wexford
Parents have recommended the self catering apartments at the Seafield Hotel & Spa in Wexford, giving families full access to everything the hotel offers with the privacy and comfort of their own front door.
Spacious 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are available, and self catering guests can enjoy acres of parkland, a nature trail, children’s playground, games room, kids club (during school holidays), Ballymoney Beach, Oceo Spa and a selection of golf courses. Babysitting can also be arranged, making it a relaxing option for families.
You May Also Enjoy Pitch Perfect Places to Play Mini Golf and Pitch & Putt in Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “self catering at a hotel” actually mean?
It means you stay in your own private apartment, lodge or house on the hotel grounds — with your own kitchen and living space — while still being able to use the hotel’s facilities, such as the pool, leisure centre, kids club and restaurants.
Do self catering guests get the same access to hotel facilities as hotel guests?
At all the properties featured here, self catering guests can use the on-site leisure facilities, pools and kids clubs. Some perks, like complimentary leisure centre access, vary by property, so it’s worth checking directly with the hotel when booking.
Are kids clubs available all year round?
Most of the kids clubs mentioned run during school holidays rather than year-round, so it’s best to check with the hotel for term-time availability if that matters for your trip.
Can I book just for a weekend, or do these properties require a minimum stay?
Minimum stay requirements can vary by property and season. Check directly with the hotel when booking to confirm availability for your dates.
Is breakfast or dinner included with self catering apartments?
Self catering apartments come with their own kitchen so you can cook your own meals, but most of these hotels also have on-site restaurants or bars if you’d rather not cook every night.
Related Articles
- The Best Family Friendly Hotel Pools in Ireland
- Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Ireland with Family Activities
- Top Hotels in Ireland Recommended for Families with More Than 2 Kids
- 9 Amazing Family Adventure Centres in Ireland for Guaranteed Fun
Save This for Your Next Family Trip
Planning a family break takes a bit of juggling, so bookmark this page or share it with the rest of the family before you start comparing dates and availability across these self catering options.
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now for our free weekly newsletter, packed with family days out, recipes, parenting tips and competitions.
