We’re all parents here at Mykidstime and collectively we’ve checked into quite a few family friendly hotels in Ireland! Plus we’ve all got parent friends who recommend great places for the family to stay as well. So if you’re looking for a place to stay, that is truly welcoming to all the family, here’s why we love these fantastic family friendly hotels in Ireland (and self-catering options too). Happy holidays!

Sign up for our free monthly newsletter stuffed full of ideas, competitions and offers. PS Did we mention it’s free?

When we’re looking for family friendly hotels in Ireland or abroad, the main criteria is somewhere that the whole family can enjoy. Mums and Dads can relax knowing that there is plenty to occupy the kids, and the children can be free to enjoy themselves thoroughly and not worry about being a nuisance.

The venues below cover cities, countryside and coastal areas for whatever kind of break you’re looking for. So now it’s just time to get booking for your next break away – and where better to start than with our pick of the best family friendly hotels in Ireland!

You May Also Enjoy 12 Stunning Scenic Drives and Family Road Trips in Ireland

You’ll Love These Family Friendly Hotels in Ireland

Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort, Wicklow

“We recently stayed a night at Druids Glen Hotel and were impressed at the family-friendly nature of the hotel. There’s an outdoor playground and indoor playroom, leisure club with pool, and DVDs and bikes for hire.”

“During school holidays there’s a Kids High Tea Club from 5-9pm which includes dinner and activities, so we got to enjoy a lovely dinner while our son was entertained. Breakfast is served until a leisurely 11am if you can convince the kids to stay in bed!” – Jennifer, mum of one.

We Love: The Kids High Tea Club, keeping kids amused and giving parents some free time.

You May Also Enjoy Best Hotels for Kids Clubs in Ireland

Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, Waterford

“We loved the lodges at Waterford Castle and Golf Resort, which offer great stylish facilities in a stunning location, as the resort is on its own island. You travel to the island by ferry, albeit 2 mins of a crossing, but exciting all the same!”

“Visit the playground beside the lodges, or enjoy exploring the island and spotting the local wildlife. Discover the fairy door of the resident fairy Eliza as you wander through the woods. There’s a free kids club during school holidays for 5-12 yrs, with a range of activities.” – Michelle, mum of two.

We Love: The fact that it’s on its own island that can be explored!

Castlemartyr Resort, Cork

“Castlemartyr Resort near Middleton is always a favourite in our family – we have been there probably four times in the last six years. The first time we visited, we stayed in the lodges which offer more space and self-catering, but the rooms in the hotel are very spacious, so on our last few visits we have opted to stay in the hotel, close to all the facilities.”

“There is a kids’ club during holidays, with the added bonus of kids’ tea and movies from 6pm each evening. Their family packages often include dinner, bed and breakfast options, with family passes to Fota Wildlife Park and are good value for money, so check what’s available before you book. There’s a good variety of dining options also and super friendly staff.” – Jennifer, mum of one.

We Love: The size of the bedrooms and choice of family friendly dining options.

You May Also Enjoy Best Self Catering Options for Families at Hotels in Ireland

Fota Resort, Cork

“We have stayed in Fota Island Resort two years’ running because we loved it so much. We chose the self catering lodges, which had loads of space, all the mod cons and were only a short walk up to the hotel where you can use the pool.”

“There are good kids’ meal options in the clubhouse and loads of things to do around Cork with kids. You can’t walk to Fota Wildlife Park, but it’s only a short drive away.” – Caroline, mum of two.

We Love: The great self-catering lodges and proximity to Fota Wildlife Park.

You May Also Enjoy Recommended Hotels In Ireland For Families With More Than 2 Kids

The Spencer Hotel, Dublin

“We thought The Spencer Hotel was fantastic. The room we stayed in was really stylish. It was interconnecting with a large shared bathroom, and our daughters enjoyed their own space while we had our own lovely bedroom too.”

“There was a nice pool (bit small but still enjoyable) and good food. It is located near the IFSC, so if you’re heading to Grafton Street area just jump in a taxi or get the trainers on for a good walk. Very handy location for the 3 Arena and Bord Gais Energy Theatre.” – Jill, mum of two.

We Love: The family-friendly accommodation and great location!

You May Also Enjoy Best Hotels for Families with Teens in Ireland Recommended by Parents

Clarion Hotel, Cork

“The Clarion Hotel in Cork city is perfectly placed for exploring all that Cork has to offer, and with good value family packages available during the school holidays, it’s well worth considering for your family city break. We stayed 2 nights there recently and were impressed with the facilities – pool and health club, supervised kids club in the evenings from 6-9 pm, kiddies corner in the atrium – overall we thought it was great value for money.”

“There are a variety of room options available too, so check what best suits your needs. Just be sure to pop up the hill and ring the Shandon Bells before you leave Cork!” – Jennifer, mum of one.

We Love: The fab location and the evening kids club.

Castlecourt Hotel, Mayo

“We really liked the Castlecourt Hotel in Westport! It had a good pool, nice rooms, friendly staff and an excellent breakfast! It’s right in the centre of town too, so not far to walk to the shops and to see the sights.” – Jill, mum of two.

We Love: The yummy breakfast and friendly staff.

You May Also Enjoy Parents Recommend The Best Sandy Beaches In Ireland

Westport Woods Hotel, Mayo

“We stayed in inter-connecting rooms at the Westport Woods Hotel which were nicely decorated. There’s a lovely pool, huge lobby area that has chairs and sofas for kids to climb on, kids club, and a nice bar. It’s very near Westport House too which was handy.” – Sarah, mum of three.

We Love: The large family rooms and range of kids club activities for all ages.

You May Also Enjoy Toddler Friendly Hotels in Ireland All Recommended by Parents

Renvyle House Hotel, Galway

“Renvyle House Hotel is fabulous. They offer a service where they entertain your children while you eat dinner. There is a kids’ menu that is served in the early evening for under 12’s so they get a good dinner too, and also a teen menu (for under 17s) for when you want the kids to eat with you.”

“There is an outdoor pool as well as horse riding, boating, kayaking, tennis and fishing onsite. And all close to the Connemara National Park which you can explore during the day.” – Michelle, mum of two.

We Love: The outdoor swimming pool and teen menu in the restaurant.

You May Also Enjoy Our Pick Of The Best Hotels In Ireland With Family Activities

Diamond Coast Hotel, Sligo

“The Diamond Coast Hotel is a firm favourite with our family! We love its extra large family rooms, accommodating us parents and all four children, with room to spare for board games, luggage and moving about. A newly opened onsite playground adds to the free entertainment already provided each evening by the Little Diamonds Kids Club. There is a great range of well priced evening meals to suit even the fussiest eaters.”

“The golf club, pitch and putt, beach and surf schools are all within walking distance, and the footpath means older kids can set off independently to their camps or to buy ice creams and smoothies in the many cafes or beach shop.” – Denise, mum of four.

We Love: The extra spacious family rooms and the range of activities nearby.

You May Also Enjoy Top 10 Things to Do in Sligo With Kids

Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire

“This is one of our family’s favourite places to stay when visiting Dublin. Large family rooms, some with stunning sea views, and a great pool to have a quick pre-dinner swim after a busy day in the city, make it a big hit with everybody.”

“The DART stop is a few minutes walk away, making trips to the city centre really easy. Dun Laoghaire itself has lots of cafes and shops, and we love a walk along the pier followed by an ice cream from Teddy’s. The new library is next to the hotel and has a great events programme all year round.” – Denise, mum of four.

We Love: The good size family rooms and great location.

You May Also Enjoy 30 Terrific Things to Do in Dublin For Teens and Older Kids

Parknasilla, Kerry

“Parknasilla Resort & Spa is a firm favourite in our family, with its picturesque walks and beautiful setting. We’ve visited many times over the last few years, and have tried both the self-catering 2-bedroom lodges and the hotel. The 2-bed lodges are situated close to the hotel, so these are a good option if you have kids. There are also 3-bed lodges available, but these are further from the hotel. In the hotel itself, there are some suites and family rooms with bunk beds available.”

“There is a lovely swimming pool with gorgeous views, but it’s worth taking turns minding the kids, so one or other of you can enjoy the fab outdoor hot tubs and thermal area (don’t think I’ve been in a sauna with as nice a view!). Kids will enjoy the archery, tennis courts, fun golf, and exploring the adorable Fairy Trail in the woods. And if the weather allows, be sure to take a trip out on the motorised kayaks to explore the islands in the bay and see the seals up close. There’s a kids club during school holidays with activities and supervised movie time.” – Jennifer, mum of one.

We Love: Everything really! Great accommodation options in a stunning location.

You May Also Enjoy Best Family Friendly Hotel Pools in Ireland

Kenmare Bay Hotel, Kerry

“We have stayed three times at the self-catering lodges at the Kenmare Bay Hotel, twice in a house for six and once in a luxury lodge for four. This is such a family friendly hotel. They have a fabulous pool, playground, and a kids room in the hotel with games and movies. It’s a short walk along a pedestrian-only path into Kenmare itself so you don’t need to fret about walking on the main road.”

“The last time we stayed we brought our dog as one of the self-catering houses is allocated for dog owners, and had a perfect little garden to let the dog out in the morning.” – Jill, mum of two.

We Love: One lodge is dog-friendly, and the hotel is very family friendly.

Radisson Blu, Limerick

“We have had several great family breaks in the Radisson Blu in Limerick. Located on the edge of the city, in large grounds, there is a small play area for younger kids and tennis courts and a pool to entertain the rest of the family. The young Explorers’ Club really makes the kids feel welcome, giving them an activity pack on arrival and entertaining them each evening so we could enjoy our dinner together. The kids ate for free and there were loads of healthy tasty meal options for them.

We visited King John’s Castle, Bunratty Castle and Thomond Park on our visits, there is even a park and ride facility to Munster matches from the hotel.” – Denise, mum of four.

We Love: The Young Explorers Club, swimming pool, and tennis courts which provide entertainment for all ages.

You May Also Enjoy 10 Fun Family Things To Do in Limerick

Dromoland Castle, Clare

“Expensive but worth every cent – we stayed in Dromoland Castle with the kids a few years ago over Easter. They organised kids activities, including cookery classes in the kitchen, and have on-site pool, tennis, go karts, golf course and golf cart ride for kids. And best of all, we got chocolates on our pillows and the kids got little packets of Natural Confectionery jellies.” – Michelle, mum of two.

We Love: The indulgent treat that is this hotel. So much for kids to do during school holidays.

You May Also Enjoy Luxury Hotels In Ireland Perfect for Special Occasion Family Breaks

Premier Travel Inn, Belfast

“The Premier Travel Inn in Belfast is a good option if taking the ferry to Scotland or for a weekend break to Belfast if you’re planning to visit the Titanic Exhibition or W5. It’s centrally located within five minutes’ walk of the main shopping area. It has reasonable rates, good buffet breakfast options with kids eating free with an adult, and they also guarantee a good night’s sleep – so all in all a good option.” – Jill, mum of two.

We Love: Great location and kids can eat free breakfast with an adult.

You May Also Enjoy 15 Fun Things to Do in Belfast with Kids

Malone Lodge Apartments, Belfast

“The Malone Lodge Apartments have one, two and three bedroom apartments and are located in the Queen’s Quarter of South Belfast, easily accessible from the M1 motorway. We stayed for a three-day family break and found them to be really clean with fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities.”

“The neighbourhood has lots of quirky shops, cafes and galleries. A short walk takes you to Queens University, the Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum, where the kids took part in a free workshop. Belfast is a compact city and a short drive took us to the Titanic Quarter where we spent a super day visiting W5, the interactive Discovery Centre and of course Titanic Belfast, both a huge hit with the whole family.” – Denise, mum of four.

We Love: The clean apartments, with self-catering facilities, in a great location.

You May Also Enjoy 10 Kid-Approved Ideas for FREE Family Days Out In Ireland

Do you have a favourite family friendly hotel in Ireland (or self-catering) that’s not on our list? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!