Nothing beats the excitement of leaving the routine behind and getting away for a few days. Are you looking for some winter staycation ideas for the family to enjoy this year in Ireland? We’ve rounded up some of the most family-friendly staycation ideas and tips, all road-tested by our parent audience.
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You don’t need to travel abroad to enjoy a proper family break. Even during the winter months, Ireland’s beaches, coastline, inland waterways and mountains offer plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and get away from it all for a few nights or longer.
Here are some tips on making the most of your family break this winter, along with some family-friendly accommodation choices from our partners.
Winter Staycation Ideas In Ireland
Tips For Booking Your Winter Staycation
#### #1. Do Your Research
Before you travel, look up information on the area you’re heading to, even if you’re not going far! From local parks and forest trails to playgrounds and activity centres, a little research helps you plan your days so everyone in the family enjoys the break.
Remember, not everything has to cost money. If you’re on a budget, planning ahead helps to keep the costs in check.
#### #2. Consider Staying Close To Home
Have you ever considered checking into a hotel or self-catering spot close to home? If you have time off, it’s easy to fill it with all the things you don’t normally get around to — extra housework, decluttering and so on.
By checking out of your own house but staying local, you get the chance to see your city or town like a visitor would. Plan your staycation just as you would a trip somewhere unfamiliar, and you may be surprised by the interesting places on your own doorstep.
#### #3. Book Some Fun Adventures In Advance
Be sure to book some fun things to do ahead of your staycation. If your location has a spa, golf course, activity centre, restaurant or other amenity you’d like to try, book it in advance to secure the time and date you want.
#### #4. Call Your Preferred Venue To Ask About Deals
Booking sites are great for planning ahead, but it’s often worth calling the hotel directly too — sometimes the best deals are only available that way.
Have a budget in mind and a list of your criteria (how many rooms, beds, nights, meal arrangements, etc.) and ask what the best offer they can give you is. You might be pleasantly surprised.
#### #5. Read The Small Print
Check cancellation policies, just as you would for a trip further afield. Many family-friendly accommodation providers allow cancellations up to a few days before you travel, so if your plans change, you can rearrange.
#### #6. Pets May Be Welcome
If you have a family pet, check whether they’d be welcome too. Many places are happy to have pets along, or offer accommodation specifically suited to pet owners — just let them know in advance.
Family Friendly Accommodation Options
#### Diamond Coast Hotel, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo
The Diamond Coast Hotel in Enniscrone sits above a stunning 5km beach, perfect for winter walks with the family. The hotel prides itself on being genuinely family-friendly and has picked up awards in the family category on TripAdvisor.
Its family rooms can comfortably accommodate up to 8 people. The restaurant and bistro have a children’s menu with imaginative options, including dairy- and gluten-free meals.
During school holidays, younger children can be entertained at the Little Diamond Kids Club while you relax. For older kids and teens, alongside the beach and water sports, the hotel has a tennis court, playground, astro pitch and basketball court, with equipment available at reception.
Close to the hotel you’ll find Water Point Aqua Park, pitch and putt, surfing and boat trips. With some of the largest family rooms in Ireland, the Diamond Coast Hotel is worth a look for a family winter break — check their current offers for festive and family packages.
#### The Connacht Hotel, Galway
The Connacht Hotel has been welcoming families to Galway for over 50 years and has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment.
There’s a wide range of family accommodation to suit different needs:
- Classic Family Rooms (double and single bed, with room for a rollaway or cot)
- Family Room with a 3-sleeper bunk bed
- Family Suites with 2 bedrooms and a kitchenette
- Interconnecting bedrooms
- Self-catering apartments
- Connacht Cruiser motorhome
Family-friendly dining is available in the refurbished Rueben’s Restaurant, which offers a selection of Italian pizzas that can be enjoyed in the restaurant or as part of the in-room dining options.
#### Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Carlow
With an award-winning spa and championship golf course, Mount Wolseley Hotel suits families or groups looking for a break with relatives or friends. There’s a wide choice of accommodation, from family rooms to resort houses.
Family rooms offer a double bed with either two single beds, another double bed, or a double sofa bed. Rooms are large enough to add a travel cot or foldaway bed, and interconnecting rooms suit larger families. Resort houses sit close to the main hotel entrance and offer a home-from-home feel, sleeping up to 7 people, with full access to hotel facilities.
Mount Wolseley offers plenty of on-site activities, including the Woolie Bear Kids Club (running during school holidays), a woodland playground with a zip-line, the Wolseley Walkway (a one-mile trail through the grounds), a golf course offering lessons for children and adults, an award-winning spa with thermal suite, and a leisure centre with a large pool and children’s pool — alongside plenty of local attractions nearby.
#### Clonakilty Park Hotel, Cork
Clonakilty in West Cork has long been a popular family holiday destination, and the award-winning Clonakilty Park Hotel provides a safe environment for children with plenty of dedicated kids’ facilities.
These include a three-screen cinema, an adventure centre with high ropes, zip-wiring and climbing walls, adventure golf, an indoor playzone, kids camp, outdoor playground, and a swimming/toddler pool. All of this is on-site, less than a three-minute walk from your accommodation, and with holiday homes, apartments, large family rooms and interconnecting rooms (all with free wifi), there’s an option to suit most requirements.
Clonakilty is also a great base for touring the wider West Cork region — take a ride on the train at the West Cork Model Railway Village, bring a bucket and spade or take a walk 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 run throughout the year, with extra activities scheduled during summer and the October break.
More family friendly accommodation ideas:
- Recommended Hotels in Ireland for Families with More than 2 Kids
- Super Self Catering Accommodation in Ireland Perfect for Family Holidays
- Best Self Catering Options for Families at Hotels in Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to book a winter staycation in Ireland?
As early as you can once you know your dates. Family rooms and school-holiday weeks get booked up, so early planning gives you the best choice of accommodation and the best chance of a good deal.
Are winter staycations in Ireland good value compared to summer?
Many hotels offer quieter periods and off-peak packages outside the busiest summer weeks, so it’s always worth asking directly what’s included and comparing a few options before you book.
What should I pack for a winter staycation with kids?
Layers, waterproofs and sturdy footwear are essentials for enjoying Irish coastlines and countryside in winter, along with anything specific to the hotel’s facilities, such as swimwear for a leisure centre or golf gear if you plan to play a round.
Can I bring my dog on a family staycation in Ireland?
Some accommodation providers welcome pets, either generally or in specific pet-friendly rooms. Always check directly with the venue before you book if travelling with a pet.
Related Articles
Looking for more staycation inspiration? You might also enjoy:
- Recommended Hotels in Ireland for Families with More than 2 Kids
- Super Self Catering Accommodation in Ireland Perfect for Family Holidays
- Best Self Catering Options for Families at Hotels in Ireland
Save These Ideas For Later
Not ready to book just yet? Bookmark this page or browse our adventure hub for more family day-out and staycation ideas whenever you’re ready to plan.
Have your say! Are you planning a winter staycation in Ireland this year? Tell us in the comments below.
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