Taking the kids away on your own — whether you’re a single parent or your partner can’t join you this time — shouldn’t mean missing out on a proper family break. We asked MyKidsTime parents to share the hotels in Ireland that made lone parent travel easy, welcoming and genuinely fun for the kids. Here’s what they recommended.
#1. The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney
Susan loved the Gleneagle Hotel: “We had such a great break there, the staff were wonderful.”
The family-friendly Gleneagle Hotel has long offered Flying Solo breaks, designed especially for parents holidaying on their own with their kids. The idea is simple but useful for lone parents — rates are charged per adult rather than assuming two adults sharing, so you’re not paying for a second adult who isn’t there. Packages typically include breakfast and evening entertainment, along with Kids’ Clubs during school holidays. As availability and rates change, it’s worth checking directly with the hotel for current details before you book.
The Gleneagle also has plenty to keep everyone busy, including a 25m swimming pool, a kiddies’ pool, a 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 even step outside into the 25,000 acres of national park right on the doorstep.
#2. Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone
Sinead had one word to describe the Hodson Bay Hotel: “fantastic.”
The team at Hodson Bay understand that being a one-parent family can add an extra layer of planning to any holiday. Their reservations team is on hand to help take some of that stress out of booking, so all family members get the most out of the break.
The hotel’s Penguin Kids Camp is packed with energetic games, activities and healthy snacks to keep little ones entertained — which, in turn, means a bit more downtime for Mum or Dad.
#3. Midleton Park Hotel, Cork
Shelly sang the praises of the Midleton Park Hotel: “Myself, my mam and my 3 kids went. We stayed for 2 nights. It was a fantastic weekend, the package was so reasonable and included breakfast and one evening meal, entry to Fota and the swimming pool. Would love to go back!”
The Midleton Park Hotel’s family bedrooms are spacious, with double beds and interconnecting rooms available for larger families. Their Park Bears Kids Club, for children aged 4 and up, runs during summer months and school holidays in a dedicated Kids Zone, with movies, arts and crafts, and giant games on offer.
You might also enjoy reading Toddler Friendly Hotels in Ireland Recommended by Parents
#4. Whitford House Hotel, Wexford
Jacqui loved The Whitford House Hotel: “Lovely big family rooms, healthy kids menu in the bar, great playground on site and pool is fab for kids too.”
Family rooms at the Whitford House Hotel come with two five-foot double beds in calm, comfortable surroundings — a welcome bit of relaxation after a busy day out. Guests can use the Leisure Club, which includes an award-winning 20m swimming pool with a separate children’s pool, a hydrotherapy pool, a jacuzzi and a full gym, plus an outdoor playground for the kids to burn off some energy.
#5. Amber Springs Hotel, Wexford
Yvonne says the Amber Springs Hotel is “amazing for kids, with a petting zoo, train ride to feed animals, indoor and outdoor play areas and a swimming pool.”
The Amber Springs Hotel has built a strong reputation as a family-friendly stay, with plenty of activities on site including go-karts, crazy golf, treasure hunts, ball games and an indoor play zone.
You might also enjoy reading The Best Family Friendly Hotel Pools in Ireland
#6. Ballygarry House Hotel and Spa, Kerry
Nichola stayed with her teenagers at Ballygarry House Hotel and Spa and said “it’s fab.”
Spacious family guest rooms at Ballygarry House Hotel come with a king-sized bed, a single bed and a couch or fold-up bed, along with a flat-screen TV and comfortable, well-appointed bathrooms. During your stay, families can use the in-house Xbox, browse a selection of board games, or borrow from the hotel’s DVD collection. Family breaks have also included passes to nearby attractions such as the Aquadome and Crazy Cave at Crag Cave — worth confirming what’s currently included when you book.
#7. Clayton Hotel Liffey Valley, Dublin
Carmel loves the Clayton Hotel Liffey Valley: “Great hotel near the shopping centre and it has a swimming pool, always great.”
The hotel offers family breaks with breakfast, along with full use of the Club Vitae leisure club, which includes a 20m swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gym. There’s an outdoor playground and an indoor play area too, plus a choice of on-site restaurants if you fancy dinner without leaving the hotel.
#8. Maldron Hotel, Wexford
Tracey loved The Maldron Hotel Wexford: “I stayed with my 2 kids and staff were great. Very family friendly.”
Families are always made welcome at the Maldron Hotel Wexford, with an outdoor playground, mini golf course, games room, leisure centre with a separate kids’ pool, and a Crafty Kids Club during school holidays to keep younger guests entertained from the moment you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these hotels good value for a lone parent, or do they still charge for two adults?
Some hotels, like the Gleneagle, offer packages priced per adult rather than assuming two adults sharing, which can work out better value for a parent travelling alone with kids. Others price rooms per room rather than per person. It’s always worth asking directly what the rate includes when you enquire, as packages and pricing structures can change.
Do these hotels have kids’ clubs I can rely on to give me a break?
Most of the hotels on this list run some form of kids’ club or supervised activity programme, often seasonal or during school holidays. Details, age ranges and opening times vary by hotel and time of year, so it’s best to check current details before you travel.
What should I ask about when booking as a lone parent?
Useful questions include whether family rooms suit your group size, what’s included in the rate (breakfast, evening meals, leisure centre access), whether kids’ clubs run on the dates you’re travelling, and whether any nearby attractions are included in the package.
Are these hotels suitable for teenagers as well as younger children?
Yes — several parents on this list travelled with teenagers rather than toddlers, and hotels such as Ballygarry House offer amenities like in-house gaming and DVDs that suit older kids as well as younger ones.
Related Articles
- Toddler Friendly Hotels in Ireland Recommended by Parents
- The Best Family Friendly Hotel Pools in Ireland
- Family-Friendly Breaks in Ireland: Ideas for Every Budget
Save This for Your Next Break
Planning a trip away on your own with the kids takes a bit more thought, so it’s worth bookmarking this list or sharing it with another parent who might find it useful for their own lone parent break.
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Have you stayed as a lone parent with your kids at a hotel you’d recommend? Tell us in the comments below.
