Planning a family break in Ireland’s south-west? The Gleneagle Hotel Group has three family friendly hotels in Cork & Killarney, each with its own personality but all built with families firmly in mind. Whether you’re travelling as a couple with young children, flying solo with the kids, or trying to keep teenagers entertained, these hotels offer plenty of space, leisure facilities and things to do on the doorstep.
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The Gleneagle Hotel
For many families, a trip to Killarney brings back memories of childhood holidays – and The Gleneagle Hotel keeps that tradition going. With a wide range of family rooms, suites and spacious two-bedroom apartments, it’s well set up for families of all sizes. Even the family dog is welcome, with pet-friendly apartments on offer.
The hotel has a choice of bars and restaurants, a swimming pool, a kiddies’ pool, a gym, squash and tennis courts, pitch and putt, snooker, and a children’s activity centre.
During school holidays, look out for the Eager Eagles Kids Club, the Chill Zone and free kids’ entertainment. There’s also free nightly entertainment year-round, plus the well-known Gleneagle Summer Cabaret and a calendar of concerts and shows in the adjacent INEC.
And that’s before you even step outside the hotel gates. Killarney National Park is right on the doorstep, with plenty to explore on foot, by bike or by pony and trap. You can visit Muckross Traditional Farms, take a boat cruise on the lakes, or feed the ducks at Ross Castle.
If you’re travelling with kids on your own, it’s worth asking about the hotel’s “Flying Solo” rates for parents and guardians travelling without a second adult – these are charged per adult rather than on a two-adults-sharing basis, so they can work out better value for single-parent breaks.
The Brehon
The Brehon is a four-star hotel in Killarney that welcomes families all year round, and its family rooms are always in demand.
One of the hotel’s most-loved features is a little less conventional: the lawn is home to Queen Kate and her band of tiny fairy folk, who have made The Brehon their permanent home and love welcoming young visitors to their miniature village.
Families staying at The Brehon can also use the leisure facilities at sister hotel The Gleneagle next door. A pedestrianised path runs alongside both hotels straight into Killarney National Park, making it an easy, buggy-friendly route for a family walk.
Afternoon tea isn’t just for grown-ups here. The Brehon’s Kids’ Afternoon Tea includes sandwich triangles, mini scones, fruit smoothies, cookie monster cookies, cake pops, jelly and ice-cream shots and rocky road, and it’s available at weekends and during school holidays. The Brehon Bar also has a children’s menu with plenty of healthy options.
And because parents deserve a break too, reception staff at either hotel can help arrange a babysitter so you can enjoy some time at The Brehon’s Angsana Spa.
The Maritime Hotel
In Bantry, Cork, The Maritime Hotel is designed to let kids be kids while parents get the relaxing break they’re after.
The hotel has a good selection of one- and two-bedroom suites, ideal for family stays. Bedrooms are joined by a comfortable living space with a kitchenette (fridge, microwave, sink and toaster), and with TVs in both the bedroom and living area, there’s no need to fight over the remote.
The leisure centre has a large swimming pool, a children’s pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and gym, along with a kids’ club programme during school holidays.
The Maritime is a handy base for exploring West Cork and the Wild Atlantic Way. Nearby towns include Glengarriff, Baltimore and Skibbereen, and you can go island-hopping to Whiddy, Sherkin, Cape Clear and Garnish. Bantry itself has plenty to offer, from golf at Bantry Bay Golf Course to sailing, canoeing, kayaking, angling, scenic walks and cycle routes – plus a chance of spotting whales and dolphins offshore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hotels are covered in this guide?
This guide covers three family friendly hotels run by the Gleneagle Hotel Group: The Gleneagle Hotel and The Brehon, both in Killarney, and The Maritime Hotel in Bantry, Cork.
Do these hotels have kids’ clubs or children’s entertainment?
Yes. The Gleneagle runs the Eager Eagles Kids Club and free entertainment during school holidays, and The Maritime Hotel also runs a kids’ club programme during school holidays.
Is there a good option for a parent travelling alone with kids?
The Gleneagle Hotel offers “Flying Solo” rates for parents or guardians travelling without a second adult, charged per adult rather than on a shared-room basis.
What can families do nearby?
Families staying in Killarney have Killarney National Park on the doorstep, with walking, cycling, pony and trap rides, and boat trips on the lakes. Families staying at The Maritime in Bantry can explore West Cork and the Wild Atlantic Way, including island-hopping trips and coastal walks.
Related Articles
- Best Family Days Out in Killarney
- Things to Do in West Cork with Kids
- Ireland’s Best Family-Friendly Hotel Breaks
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