With the current situation, many families are considering avoiding a holiday abroad this year and instead stay closer to home. We’ve put together some suggestions and information to help you plan your family staycations in Ireland this year.

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From family-friendly accommodation to safe places to visit with the kids, we’ve put together ideas to help you plan your family staycations in Ireland.

Family Staycations in Ireland: Accommodation

Family Friendly Hotels

The Connacht Hotel, Galway

The Connacht Hotel is one of the most family friendly hotels in Ireland, welcoming families to Galway for over 50 years and it has just undergone an extensive refurbishment. They are operating a comprehensive safety procedures in line with government guidelines to ensure the wellbeing of guests and their team.

With a wide range of family accommodation there is the perfect option for you and your family. The Connacht Hotel is the perfect option for families who require that little extra space and comfort.

• Classic Family Rooms (Double & Single Bed with room for a Rollaway or Cot)
• Family Room with a 3 Sleeper Bunk Bed (all newly refurbished)
• Family Suites with 2 Bedrooms & Kitchenette
• Inter-Connecting Bedrooms
• Self-Catering Apartments
• The Connacht Cruiser Motorhome

Family friendly dining is available in the newly refurbished Rueben’s Restaurant offering a selection of Authentic Italian Pizzas which can be enjoyed in the restaurant or as part of our in-room dining options.

Families can enjoy complimentary use of the leisure centre, featuring a kids pool, kids activities and free parking, all in line with current government guidelines.

Clonakilty Park Hotel, Cork

Clonakilty, West Cork has always been a popular holiday destination for families and the award winning Clonakilty Park Hotel provides a safe environment for children that is bursting with unique kids facilities.

These include a three screen cinema, adventure centre with high ropes, zip wiring and climbing walls, Indoor Playzone, Kids Camp, Outdoor Playground and Swimming/Toddler Pool. Adventure Golf will be a new open air addition for August. The best bit is all activities are onsite, less than a 3 minute walk from your accommodation and with holiday homes, apartments, large family rooms and interconnecting rooms, (all with free wifi) there is an option to suit every requirement.

Clonakilty is the perfect base for touring the West Cork region, be sure to take a ride on the train at the West Cork Model Railway Village, bring your bucket & spade or take a surf lesson on Inchydoney Beach, get lost in the wooden maze at Smugglers Cove or rent a paddle boat at the Lagoon Adventure Centre in Rosscarbery. Family packages are available throughout with year with additional activities scheduled during the October and Christmas breaks.

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Family Friendly Self-Catering

Goldcrest Village, Galway

Located just minutes from Galway city centre, and within close proximity of the stunning landscapes of Connemara, Goldcrest Village is an ideal base for experiencing the sights and sounds of Galway and the wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way!

Goldcrest Village, which is situated on the parkland campus of NUI Galway, is comprised of 76 apartments overlooking modern courtyards. 4, 5 and 6-bedroom apartments are available, all with en suite bathrooms.

The riverside location on the University campus of NUI Galway means there’s lots to enjoy right on your doorstep, perfect for a day of unwinding, including a river walk and Biodiversity Trail.

In addition, Goldcrest Village is only a few minutes’ drive away from Galway’s shops and the seaside village of Salthill, making it a great destination for a summer staycation!

The Gleneagle Hotel Apartments, Kerry

Each apartment at The Gleneagle Hotel has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a fully fitted kitchen. For those wishing to bring their pets on holiday they allow 2 pets max per apartment and you will be provided with a pet bed, food and drink bowls.

River Apartment guests have access to all the leisure facilities including a 25m swimming pool, kiddies’ pool, gym, squash and tennis courts, pitch and putt, snooker and children’s activity centre.

Talbot Suites, Wexford

The self catering apartments Talbot Suites come with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms, have a fully equipped kitchen, living area and utility room and are perfect for families of all ages.

Cots and high-chairs are available on request at time of booking but not always guaranteed. They do not provide camp beds but a number of the self catering apartments do have sofa beds which can accommodate a child aged U14.

Mum Paula says “great apartments, great location & lots of parking too. Would highly recommend”.

Read more Superb Self Catering Accommodation In Ireland.

Family Friendly Campsites

Lough Key, Roscommon

The caravan and camping park at Lough Key offers 51 landscaped, secluded pitches with electricity points and three large areas for tent space. There is a recreational block with an indoor space for games or dining. There is also a shower block with bathrooms and a small cooking area with laundry room.

Lough Key offers a range of activities for families to enjoy during their stay including walks, cycle paths, adventure activities, lake and more.

Nore Valley Campsite, Kilkenny

The award winning campsite at Nore Valley Park has a strict no socialising after midnight policy, making it a very family friendly camping option. There are free showers and hot water and a high standard of cleanliness throughout the site.

Guests also have free access to the open farm with many activities to participate in during you stay.

For those who want to stay on-site but have no tent or caravan of their own, Nore Valley Park has a number of lovely wooden lodges and spacious mobile homes available to rent.

Read more family friendly campsites recommended by parents.

Family Friendly Glamping

Slieve Aughty, Galway

Slieve Aughty Centre in Co. Galway offers eco camping, glamping & lodges for families to enjoy a break away surrounded by nature. Glamping options include bed linen and towels with a choice of accommodation in a cosy glamping cabin, playhouse or tipi. You can book on a B&B or full board basis.

The site offers toilet, shower and kitchen facilities, playground, outdoor pizza oven and enchanted woodland to explore. There’s also an equestrian centre, guest house, restaurant & café and has a host of activities on-site for everyone to enjoy.

Glamping Under the Stars

Glamping Under the Stars is a beautiful boutique glampsite in County Laois where you can stay in spacious bell tents, cosy wood cabins, or a quirky horse-drawn caravan, with all the comforts of home: cosy beds, gorgeous furnishings & lovely hot showers in fantastic hotel-style bathrooms.

The friendly, family-run site is close to a forest full of woodland walks, hidden away in a beautiful farmland setting. Their quirky wooden cabins or Lodges make for a unique and fun place for glamping all year round.

Read more family friendly friendly glamping ideas in Ireland

Staycation Ideas: Things To Do with Kids

We’ve put together a list of safe places to visit with kids as Ireland reopens with information about visiting hours, social distancing and safety advice.

Free Places to Take The Kids

Check out our list of 100 Free Fun Things to do with Kids in Ireland, we’ve included every county with a choice of places that offer free fun, many outdoors so you can get fresh air and enjoy our beautiful country!

Low Cost Places

We asked Mykidstime parents to recommend their favourite low cost places to visit around Ireland. The criteria was under €40 for a family. Here are their picks, Low Cost Things to Do in Ireland With Kids Recommended By Parents.

Outdoor Spots

From waterfalls to forest parks to beaches, Ireland has it all! Here are some of our favourite outdoor places in Ireland to take the kids.

Don’t Miss These Hidden Gems and Unusual Places

What about some places you might not have been to or heard of? Did you know there’s a Windmill in Roscommon and a Squirrel Scramble in Wicklow? Check out our lists of unusual places and hidden gems around the country!

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