Enjoy a festive family break in Galway this November or December with a stay at the award-winning Connacht Hotel and a visit to Elf Town.

Meet Mrs Claus in her kitchen and Santa in this grotto – where Santa gives each child a special Elf Town toy coin to exchange for their own present in Santa’s toy shop.

Magical Christmas at The Connacht for all the family includes:

• Overnight stay in a choice of family room options
• Full Irish breakfast each day
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and parking
• Use of the hotel leisure centre
• Free access to the friendly fellows kids club when you book direct

Dates for 2023: December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17 and 20-22

Booking opens September 5th at 10am

Join Santa’s elves on a wonderful journey through Santa’s Magical Trail – a fun filled and action-packed experience for children young and old held at the Clanard Court Hotel, Kildare!

The Sleep Over and it’s Magical Trail will include a Santa’s Magical show & Elf Entertainment this year and delivers guaranteed fun and oodles of Christmas Cheer, whilst encountering all sorts of characters including Lazybones, Holly Berry and her team of elves, Cringle Cook , Noelle Twinkle, Willy Wonka, Mrs. Claus and Santa of course!

Santa Sleep Over 2023 package includes:

• Santa’s Magical Trail passes for each adult and child booked on the sleep over (60 mins in duration);
• Festive Family Banquet served by the Elves
• Elf Entertainment + Santa’s Magical Show during and after dinner
• Overnight Bed and Breakfast accommodation for at least one child and one adult to a maximum of a family of 6.

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Dates: November 3rd to December 22nd

A magical family Christmas experience that you will treasure forever! Imagine the look on their little faces when Santa knocks on their door and knows them by name!

The excitement will peak when you wrap up nice and warm and take a wintry walk to Mrs Claus’ Cabin where you take the journey through the Shandon Forest (indoors), Narnia and Candy Cane Lane!

At 8pm, after your festive Christmas journey, join in a drive-in movie experience on the big screen. Each night a feel-good Christmas family classic movie will be shown and each family will be provided with a Christmas snack box.

The Santa package includes overnight B&B in a seaview room, personalised visit from Santa, entry to the Magical Winter Walkthrough and a drive-in Christmas movie experience.

Dates for 2023: November 17th to 23rd

With a little Ho Ho Ho and more than a sprinkling of Christmas magic, the Amber Springs Santa Train Experience is back!

Travelling aboard The Amber Express, following the glimmering lights and sparkling trees to the Amber Christmas Village. Once at the village, you will disembark the Amber Express to explore the village.

Walking around the village you will be able to enjoy a little festive treat and see all the busy little elves working away before going to have your own personal visit with Santa!

The Santa Train Experience package includes:

• One or two nights’ accommodation in a choice of room to suit your needs
• Full Irish breakfast
• €50 dining credit to use in any of the three dining outlets
• Games room with Sony PlayStation
• Amber Park with petting farm, outdoor playground, Mini-Golf, Go-Karts, Archery and more (additional charges may apply)
• Club Amber Leisure facilities include swimming pool,  kids pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, gymnasium
• Movies screened daily in the 80-seater Showtime Cinema

Dates for 2023: Santa Sleepover Packages on sale from Tuesday, September 19th

Arrive at the Riverside Park Hotel, where the hotel will be transformed into a festive wonderland! From the children being dazzled by the twinkling tree lights on arrival to a Christmas bag of treats awaiting each child on arrival in their room, you are guaranteed a festive and fun family break.

The Santa Sleepover experience includes:

• Overnight luxury accommodation with full Irish breakfast
• Tickets to Santa’s Enchanted Castle Experience
• Kids playground beside the Hotel
• Treats on arrival for the kids
• Complimentary use of the leisure club with indoor heated swimming pool and a children’s pool for junior guests

Dates for 2023: December 1st to 23rd

Visit the famous Wild Ireland animal sanctuary with the rescue bears, wolves, lynx cats and other wild arctic animals such as reindeers and arctic foxes before making your way to visit Santa in his Grotto. Each child will receive a gift from the man himself and his many helpers.

Afterwards make your way back to the cosy interior of the Inishowen Gateway Hotel (20 mins from the sanctuary) with hot chocolate and cookies served on arrival, take in a swim at the Leisure Centre with kids pool, and enjoy a full Irish breakfast the following morning before departing (and maybe another splash in the pool!).

Dates for 2023: November 24-26th and every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December

Santa will be on Christmas Island at Hidden Valley Holiday Park for festive fun and an unforgettable and unique Christmas experience.

Your experience will include an exciting journey on The North Pole Express, a trip to Christmas Island where you’ll meet the Elves who will try to bring out your creative side before moving on to Santa’s head elves for some more festive elf entertainment. Families will depart Christmas Island on Santa’s House Boat to make their way to Santa’s Grotto where each family will have a private visit with Santa.

You can also book an overnight stay in one of the glamping lodges for 2 adults and up to 4 children, or boutique lodges for 2 adults and up to 4 children.

Christmas Island tickets and Overnight Lodging are booked together at the same time through the booking system. Families must have Christmas Island tickets to stay overnight.

Dates for 2023: November 6th to January 2nd 2024

Centre Parcs’ Winter Wonderland sees the village transformed with lights, decorations and snow, with plenty of seasonal activities to keep everyone busy and really get you in the festive spirit.

Take a stroll through Santa’s Woodland Village and see the elves enjoying some of their favourite festive activities in the new Toadstool Cabins. Enjoy a sneak peek of where the elves make last-minute toys and gifts and explore their games as you soak up the atmosphere with a sprinkle of elf magic. Have a special souvenir photograph taken with Santa as a memento of your meeting. Remember to be good and you’ll leave with an early Christmas present!

A Winter Wonderland break includes:

• Soak up the festive atmosphere at Santa’s Woodland Village
• Visit Santa and his elves at his Woodland Workshop before Christmas Day. Pre-book your visit where all children will receive a gift from Santa and a special souvenir photograph
• A range of seasonal activities for the whole family to enjoy, from Design a Christmas Stocking to Festive Wreath Making

Dates for 2023: Select dates from December 1st

A magical family experience brimming with Christmas cheer. Book a Santa’s Hotel package and enjoy a one or two night stay and get tickets to Santa’s Express Train at Oakfield Park.

Dates for 2023: December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th & 17th

The Santa by the Sea Experience at Donabate’s Shoreline Hotel in North County Dublin includes:

• Stay the night before your Santa visit for 2 adults and 2 children under 12 in a family room with two double beds with breakfast at leisure
• A visit and a gift with Santa the following day in Santa’s Grotto
• A delicious 2 course lunch for the family after your visit with Santa in the festive Brasserie overlooking the sea

Dates for 2023: Select dates from December 2nd

Santa and Mrs Claus will be coming to stay at the Castle Oaks House Hotel and meet all the boys and girls before for his big day!

The Santa’s Grotto experience includes:

• Full Irish breakfast
• Main course evening meal per person
• Visit to Santa and cookie decorating with Mrs Claus
• Hot chocolate and a gift for the kids
• Keepsake family photo
• Complimentary leisure centre with swimming pool

Carlow is home to the beautiful river Barrow, one of Ireland’s longest rivers. All the family can enjoy getting active on the water by canoeing, paddle boarding, rowing or kayaking. Some of the providers include:

• Go with the Flow River Adventures
• Paddle Your Own Canoe
• Pure Adventure

For those looking for a more leisurely pace you could take a boat trip or cruise with:

• An Bád Keppel – Boat Trips
• Boatrips.ie

Many of the hotels in Carlow offer a swimming pool but for those that don’t have one on-site there are these swimming pool options which are open to the public:

• Graiguecullen Swimming Pool – perfect for indoor swimming
• Bagenalstown Outdoor Heated Pool which is open during the summer months.

Carlow is just over an hour from Dublin but it’s a world away when it comes to getting out into nature!

There are an abundance of lovely trails and hikes to choose from and explore. Looped walks are located throughout the county, all of which are perfectly suited to families with distances varying from 2km to 6km. Some great options to explore on foot include:

• Oak Park Forest Park and Clogrennane Wood, both close to Carlow Town
• Kilbrannish North and South Forests on the Blackstairs Mountains
• Clashganny Forest, south of Borris,
• Bahana and Gowlin Forests near the village of St Mullins

Flat walking is available along the beautiful Barrow Way and for those with older children or teens, more strenuous hiking can be undertaken along the scenic South Leinster and Wicklow Ways.

You can download itineraries in advance of your visit to ensure you find the most suitable walks and hikes for your family.

Whether you want to pack your own bikes or hire a bike for a day, there are plenty of options to explore on two wheels.

2 companies who offer bike hire include:

• Graiguenamanagh Bike Hire
• Barrow Blueway Bike Hire

Carlow has a wealth of gardens and you can enjoy up to 19 different gardens when you take the Carlow Garden Trail. 

Some that are particularly family friendly include:

Delta Sensory Gardens in Carlow Town are just brilliant for the whole family. They are located on the grounds of Delta Centre, a facility which currently supports 117 individuals with disabilities across its services. Originally built for users of the centre, their reputation has grown in the intervening years to be a sought out attraction for all.

Fabulous for kids who love making their way through the sixteen small(ish) gardens, hiding on parents, playing with the giant chess pieces, finding the fish in the pond, discovering water features and much more.

There is plenty for the adults too, with a Sculpture Garden, a Peace Garden, Five Senses Garden and a 1916/2016 Memorial Garden to discover and enjoy. In total there are 2.5 acres of interconnecting gardens alongside a garden centre and Café Thyme.

Duckett’s Grove Walled Garden and Pleasure Grounds near Carlow Town are another great attraction for the family. Here you can:

• Take guided tours
• Visit the kitchen gardens,
• Play in the woodland playground around the ruined gothic mansion
• Enjoy the tea rooms located in the original courtyard building.  They offer a lovely food experience serving breakfasts, lunches, delicious cake and speciality teas and coffees.

The lawns of the kitchen gardens and large meadows at the entrance also make for a great picnic location. Kids are very safe once on-site and can roam freely.

Arboretum Inspirational Gardens in Leighlinbridge are very special. Here families can enjoy exploring the African mud hut, spotting the friendly koi who reside in the Arboretum pond and just generally following the path to discover what’s next around the corner.

For adults there’s a beautiful garden centre with a kitchen store, health and wellness section, fashion shop etc. which is equally attractive for children, as there’s a beautiful playground situated beside the outdoor terrace of Rachel’s Garden Café, which is a godsend as you can enjoy your tea and cake while keeping a watchful eye. And a fun maze for the kids to explore too.

Huntington Castle and Gardens in Clonegal features a woodland playground and plenty of animals that children enjoy looking at – peacocks, pot bellied pigs, sheep and lambs. For slightly older children the tour of the house, delivered in the main by a family member is fascinating.

Rathwood Home and Garden World near Tullow is a firm family favourite attraction for visitors to the county and for those who live in Carlow. Features include:

• Family friendly train rides aboard the Rathwood Express
• A children’s playground
• The Maze of Ireland, a real delight with each county of the country represented for children to travel around the country in one go!.
• A fabulous indoor play centre

Rath Wood Forest is immediately adjacent providing great walks for all ages and is also the location of the “Big Top” where there are seasonal events including a Teddy Bear’s picnic during the summer, Easter Train rides and Santa visits.

The Chocolate Garden of Ireland is home to an artisan chocolate and ice-cream making factory! You can visit throughout the year and enjoy some of the tasty treats on offer!

They also run seasonal chocolate making workshops for children and adults at different times throughout the year including summer, Halloween, Christmas and Easter. There is a lovely playground on-site too which has recently been refurbished, that children of all ages will enjoy.

The Carlow County Museum is perfect for children aged from 5+. Children love completing the “Museum Detective” where the clues lead them and their parents on a journey around the museum.

The exhibits are very visual and a number can be touched! These include:

• The old style children’s desk that your grandparents sat at
• A culm crusher, unique to Carlow, Kilkenny and Laois
• The 16th century effigy of Robert Hartpole,  Constable of Carlow Castle
• And beware of the gallows trapdoor from Carlow jail!

The Borris Railway Viaduct is another fascinating place to visit. It’s one of Ireland’s best examples of pioneering 19th-century railway engineering and one of the most admired and celebrated railway structures in the country.

This historic landmark rises to 60ft high and spans the Borris and Mountain River Valley. Families can enjoy the looped walk and stunning scenery of the Blackstairs Mountains and the town of Borris. Great interpretation signage is in place showing the history of the railway project.

Another heritage site that children love is the Brownshill Dolmen. They are fascinated by how it got there and how much it weighs.

The giant capstone alone weighs in excess of 100 tonnes, making it the largest of its kind in Europe. The Dolmen is thought to have been there since 2,500 BC making it almost 5 thousand years old!

The stunning VISUAL Arts Centre building in the centre of Carlow Town is the largest space in Ireland for the display of visual art.

There are many activities for all ages to enjoy including:

• Family art workshops
• Youth theatre, talks and workshops
• A stunning range of exhibitions on show
• The 320-seat theatre George Bernard Shaw theatre which offers a packed programme of drama, film, dance and comedy.

The Dome Family Entertainment Centre offers bowling, state of the art laser tag and a giant 8,000 square foot play area, Congo Quest, suitable for children up to the age of 12 including:

• soft play
• ball pools
• play frames
• crawl tubes
• slides
• soccer court

The facility is open 7 days a week and caters for all ages from toddlers to grandparents and everyone in between!

For those looking to be challenged, the Mount Brandon Pottery School in Graiguenamanagh offers pottery classes and workshops for kids and adults of all levels and abilities.

Create your very own masterpiece to take home and enjoy for years to come!

Explore the grounds of the stunning Rathwood House and Forest by taking a unique train ride. Open year round the train is themed for certain times of the year including Christmas!

We hope you have enjoyed finding out about all that Carlow has to offer. To plan your trip you can stop by the Carlow Tourism website and find more family friendly:

• Places to stay
• Places to eat
• Visitor attractions
• Tours, Tracks and Trails to download
• Seasonal events 

All of these hotels offer accommodation that suits families with more than 2 kids, and plenty offer fantastic family-friendly facilities to enjoy during your stay.

Be sure to mention you heard about the hotel or accommodation on MyKidsTime when booking!

Aine stayed in The Connacht in Galway in a family suite “which was ideal as it had a little kitchen in the room.”

If there’s one thing that kids love more than a trip away, it’s bunk beds. The extremely popular Bunk Bed Family Rooms have a double bed and a three-sleeper bunk bed – an ideal room for 2 adults and 3 children and best of all, they have just undergone an extensive refurbishment.

The newly refurbished Family Suites are also ideal for family breaks or for guests who require self-catering while visiting Galway. Each suite consists of an en-suite bedroom with a King Size Bed and an adjoining Bedroom with a Double and Single Bed and Kitchenette with a microwave, toaster, fridge and kettle.

The hotel has fantastic facilities to ensure the perfect staycation in Galway for every family, large and small and they are strictly adhering to all government guidelines to ensure the safety of both guests and staff.

Guest can enjoy the newly renovated Bar Solo or Reubens Restaurant – the lively hotel bar and restaurant are popular with guests and locals alike and is the ideal venue for a relaxing evening drink followed by a delicious family meal created using locally sourced produce.

With access to the 24 hour gym, Active 24 Fitness with an impressive 20m indoor swimming pool, kids pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi there really is no better choice in the West of Ireland.

For best rates and packages book on www.theconnacht.ie or contact reservations on (091) 381200 or email: reservations@theconnacht.ie

The Schull Harbour Hotel boasts spectacular sea views over the Atlantic Ocean towards the Fastnet Lighthouse. It is the perfect destination for families looking for a memorable getaway.

They offer a range of accommodation options to suit every family’s needs. Their spacious family rooms are perfect for families of up to six, with ample space for everyone to stretch out and relax. They also offer adjoining rooms that allow you to stay close to your loved ones while still enjoying your own privacy.

If you’re looking for something a little more self-contained, the two or three bedroom self-catering apartments are the perfect option. They cater for up to six people and with plenty of living space, you’ll have all the room you need to enjoy your stay. The apartments feature beautifully appointed family bathrooms with Jacuzzi baths and modern kitchens, giving you all the comforts of home.

There are many family friendly activities on the doorstep, including:

• Deep Blue Health Club with a 16m pool, gym, sauna, steam room and children’s pool on-site
• Playground, tennis and basketball courts (situated across from the hotel)
• Stunning beaches
• Sailing, paddle boarding and kayaking
• Hiking and walking trails
• Visit Fastnet Rock Lighthouse and Mizen Head
• Cycling
• Planetarium
• Events throughout the year

Rackets and balls are available from reception for the use of guests and access to the Deep Blue Health Club is complimentary too.

Dining options are available to book with breakfast at the bistro and lunch or dinner in Gracie Blue’s Bar where guests can also enjoy live music. For a more formal dining experience, the restaurant offers tempting dishes made from the freshest ingredients, many of which are sourced from local suppliers. All meals can be enjoyed while overlooking the wild Atlantic Ocean in the heart of Schull.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing family break or an action-packed adventure, they have everything you need to create lasting memories. So book your stay now and start exploring all that West Cork has to offer.

“The Diamond Coast Hotel in Enniscrone sits above an amazing beach with an abundance of water sports that the whole family will enjoy”, says Mum Jane. The hotel prides itself on being truly family friendly and have won awards in the family category on Trip Advisor.

Best of all their family rooms can comfortably accommodate up to 8 people, and have all recently been refurbished. The restaurant and bistro have a children’s menu with imaginative options that include dairy and gluten free meals. And they offer a ‘family dine out’ deal with 3 meal choices to feed a family of 5 for just €30.

During summer and school holidays you can relax while your little ones are entertained at the Little Diamond Kids Club. For older kids and teens, alongside the beach and water sports, the hotel has a tennis court, playground, astro pitch and basketball court with all the equipment needed to enjoy them, at reception.

Close to the hotel you will find Water Point Aqua Park, pitch and putt, surfing and boat trips. With some of the largest family rooms in Ireland, you are guaranteed a family friendly welcome at the Diamond Coast Hotel, Sligo.

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The Mount Wolseley Hotel with an award winning spa and championship golf course is the perfect hotel for families with 3+ kids or those wishing to have a break away with relatives or friends.

I stayed here with extended family for a weekend break and some of my relatives stayed in the on-site lodges, which were very well equipped and close to the hotel, while I stayed with my family in a family room.

All family rooms offer a double bed with 2 single beds or another double bed or double sofa bed. The rooms are large so a travel cot or foldaway bed can be added. And the hotel offers interconnecting rooms for those who have larger families staying.

There are lots of on-site activities to enjoy including an amazing kids club, Woolie Bear Kids Club, which operates during school holidays, playground with a zip-line, golf course that offer lessons, award winning spa and of course a leisure centre with a large pool.

Babysitting can be arranged if you book it in advance and the hotel runs special offers for families throughout the year. For bookings and special family offers check out www.mountwolseley.ie or call +353 (0)59 9180100.

Castleknock Hotel is an award winning four star property and is a great choice for a Family Friendly Hotel break in Dublin. Ideally located beside Castleknock Village, the hotel is only 5 minutes from Blanchardstown Village and 15 minutes from Dublin City Centre.

It is the perfect location for a family break with many fun attractions located nearby, Dublin Zoo is a very popular attraction with both children and adults alike, The National Aquatic Centre, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Fort Lucan adventure centre and Tayto Park are all easily accessible from the hotel. The hotel itself boasts an 18m pool with a separate kids pool, a spa and waterfall.

Castleknock Hotel accommodation includes 190 guest bedrooms. All of the bedrooms have been designed with your comfort in mind with each guest bedroom featuring cable TV, radio, complimentary Wi-Fi, in room safe, tea and coffee hospitality tray and trouser press as standard. Each bathroom features a separate shower and bath and can cater for all your family needs. You can book family rooms which come with extra beds in the room or suites with interconnecting rooms. These are perfect for catering to those families who have more than 2 children.

The 4 star Riverside Park Hotel is set in a scenic location on the banks of the River Slaney. Considered one of the friendliest hotels in Wexford their family friendly accommodation includes; 1 double & 1 single bed (with an option of an extra camp bed), 2 double beds or 1 double bed and one fold-away double sofa bed which can sleep up to 2 adults and 3 children perfectly. Rooms may vary in style and décor, and they also have a couple of bedrooms which can accommodate up to 2 adults & 4 children.

In-Room Facilities Include:

• Complimentary toiletries
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Tea/coffee making facilities
• Iron & ironing board
• Mineral water
• In-room safe
• 24-hour room service etc

There is a fantastic playground located directly adjacent to the hotel.

Jacqueline recommends The Quality Hotel in Youghal. “It’s right beside the beach, has a swimming pool, a kid’s club and kid’s movie screening. I would highly recommend it, kids love it as there is loads to do, budget friendly, clean, and the staff are lovely.”

Samantha loved the “apartments at the Quality Hotel Youghal – small playground, astro turf pitch, swimming pool and right on the beach.”

Joanne loved the Talbot Suites at Stonebridge “The sea view apartments are fab”.

Talbot Suites at Stonebridge, part of The Talbot Collection, offer high quality self-catering in the heart of Wexford Town, 100 metres from the Talbot Hotel Wexford. There’s a mixture of one, two and three bedroom apartments with a choice of sea views over the stunning River Slaney or internal courtyard views. Guests have direct access to complimentary secure car parking and complimentary use of the Talbot Fitness Leisure Centre.

Liz recommended the Springhill Court Hotel in Kilkenny. At the Springhill Court Hotel they offer family friendly rooms catering for families of all sizes. The family rooms come with a spacious ensuite bathroom that includes a power shower and bath. Alternatively extra camp beds and cots are available upon request at no additional cost.

Other family attractions which prove very popular are their fully equipped leisure centre with kiddies pool, Lenny the Lions Kids Club which operates during the school & Summer holidays and also their onsite Children’s Playground.

Michelle and Shantal have both recommended the Lough Allen Hotel in Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim.

The stylish Lough Allen Hotel family rooms come in a variety of sleeping options, they have family rooms with a double bed, single bed and room for a cot, family rooms with a double bed, and 2 singles beds, which can sleep up to 5 persons – 2 adults, 2 children plus cot. They also have a number of family rooms with a double bed and 3 single beds, they feature contemporary décor and have everything you might need for your stay in Co Leitrim. There are also a number of 2 bedroom apartments which sleep families of 7, 2 adults, 4 children plus cot, with double bed and 4 single beds per apartment.

Joan recommended the Bloomfield House Hotel near Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.

At the Bloomfield House Hotel, their Family Rooms offer accommodation for 2 adults and up to 3 children, with double bed and two single beds or a double Bed, single bed and a sofa bed. They also have interconnecting rooms can cater for 2 adults and up to 5 children. A cot or fridge can be added on request. As well as kids play area they have an on site bouncy castle. Their Health & Leisure Club has a 20 metre swimming pool with kids pool attached, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. There’s a free Bumble Bee Kids Club on weekends and holidays for kids aged 4 to 12.

Schull and the surrounding areas offer an abundance of activities and attractions, ensuring that you will have an exciting and fulfilling stay. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

For those who love the outdoors, the area is perfect for scenic walks, cycling, and water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing. With stunning coastline and breath-taking mountain views, Schull provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities.

If you’re interested in history and culture, you’ll be fascinated by the area’s rich heritage, which includes ancient stone circles, castles, and historic houses.

Schull also hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, art exhibitions, live music performances and the Fastnet Film Festival.

For families, there are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained, including playgrounds, beaches, and wildlife centres and the Schull planetarium.

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Schull and the surrounding areas are sure to provide you with a memorable experience. So book your stay now and start exploring all that West Cork has to offer.

The Fastnet Rock Lighthouse is a famous landmark that can be seen from the hotel. It sits just off the coast and stands at 54 metres tall. It is known as Ireland’s Teardrop, due to it being the last thing many emigrants saw when leaving Ireland on ships and emigrating to the USA and further afield.

Visitors can circumnavigate it on one of the ferries that offer tours of the local area.

A visit to Schull would not be complete without a trip to see Arran Street East, a pottery studio and shop that sells handmade ceramics and textiles and have a wonderful line-up of workshops right through the summer months.

Schull Farmer’s Market is held every Sunday from Easter to the end of September. Here you will find a variety of locally produced and grown products from cheese to honey, sweet and savoury baked goods to fresh fruit and vegetables, pottery, clothing, jewellery, arts and crafts stalls and much more.

Open from 10am to 2pm each Sunday in season.

There are several companies offering boat tours of the Mizen Peninsula passing through Roaring Bay Waters and out to Cape Clear Island where you can visit the Cape Clear and Fastnet Rock Heritage Centre, before continuing to sail around the famous lighthouse.

While on your trip, you may also be lucky enough to spot seals, dolphins and even whales.

There are so many beaches to choose from during  your stay. Two of our favourites include are Barleycove and Crookhaven. Perfect for a day of sea swimming, sunbathing, and sandcastle building!

Those looking for a bit of adventure and spectacular scenery should take a hike up Mount Gabriel or along the Sheep’s Head Way, a scenic trail that runs along the rugged West Cork coastline.

Schull Planetarium offers a unique look at the night sky. They host star-shows throughout the summer months and visitors can expect to be transported to space!

There are many companies offering kayak and paddle board hire and tours. These should be booked in advance during the busy summer season. You can even take a night tour!

Why not learn to sail on your next visit to Schull? Courses take place for beginners to experienced sailors and can be booked in advance. Again there are several operators in the area around Schull offering these.

Weekend Away Swap is a new Irish business that plans to revolutionise the weekend breaks market! The concept is simple, you swap your home with another member for agreed, mutually available dates.

Weekend Away Swap does all the hard work, you just need to decide if you want to go away for 1 weekend or 52 weekends, the cost is the same.

All members details are verified on registration so you can rest assured that when you swap your home with another member, they will treat your home with the same respect that you will treat theirs.

For further information on the process, check out the FAQ page.

Some homes come with a pet policy. So if you want to leave your pet at home and have them minded, that can be agreed in advance. Or the owner will signify if they are happy for you to bring your pet to their home.

This can form part of your search criteria for your next swap.

The service covers homes in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK. Once a member signs up their details are available for other members to see and to make an exchange with.

With so many weekends open to you, you can enjoy visiting different destinations and discovering what each one has to offer.

Weekend Away Swap are working with local attractions, amenities and shops to offer discounts to members too. So not only are you saving on accommodation but also on days out!

If you have never tried a house swap before, this is a great way to get started. It is just for a weekend and you don’t have to go far to have fun!

Visit Weekend Away Swap and apply to become a member. They are currently offering a free 3 month trial and 20 lucky people can also get a full year for free!

Don’t miss out, sign up today.

The most popular Coillte-managed park in the country, Rossmore Forest Park is a brilliant place to visit, for kids and grown-ups alike. You will find numerous walking trails, picnic spots, a coffee shop and a large playground.

Look out for the Drumlin Giants, crafted from reclaimed materials by Game of Thrones set designer, Marc Kelly, and download the free app for maps and useful nuggets of information about the park and its history as home to the Barony of Rossmore.

The chocolate-box village of Glaslough is one of the most photogenic places in Monaghan, but there is also lots for visitors to see, do and eat here.

For foodies visit, Glaslough Chocolate, Ambledown Cottage pizza, Pocono Ice Cream or enjoy afternoon tea at Castle Leslie Estate.

Visitors will also love the new sensory garden in the centre of the village, and you could throw a pot at Busy Bee Ceramics, which caters for crafters of all ages.

On the outskirts of the village, a visit to Glaslough Alpacas is a must!

Get active at Lough Muckno in Castleblayney. From buggy friendly forested trails, to the purpose-built Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure Centre, which offers kayaking and SUP hire and tuition, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

The littlest visitors will enjoy Wilbert’s Enchanted Garden play park, as well as feeding the ducks at the lakeside picnic area. There is also a coffee and ice cream trailer on site.

Step back in time at Carrickmacross Workhouse, one of a very small handful of surviving workhouses that were built to house the poor at the time of the Great Famine.

It has been fully restored and is open to the public. The guided visitor experience is a real eye-opener, taking in the children’s dormitory and famine graves.

Cycle through the glorious, unspoilt countryside of North Monaghan, uncovering hidden history as you go. Drumlin Trails bike hire offers e-bike and regular bike hire, as well as kids’ seats and trailers.

Local historian, Paddy McQuaid, has devised a series of trails, suitable for all fitness levels, and can provide expert guidance on the best routes to take.

We highly recommend a visit to Emy Lough where you can park up the bikes and head out on foot on the 4km looped walk, or head to the beach area for a paddle!

A hidden gem nestled in the village of Laragh, St. Peter’s Tin Tabernacle would not look out of place in the Swiss Alps – a curious tin church faithfully restored by the local community and now used for community events and concerts.

Be sure to pack a picnic and settle yourself at one of the picnic benches stream-side, and enjoy an amble through the beautiful countryside afterwards.

Head out to the wilds of Sliabh Beagh in North Monaghan, where Sliabh Beagh Adventures are on hand with information and advice on how to get the most from this beautiful upland bog area. They offer everything from walking trails and orienteering to bike hire, with maps, safety gear and child seats provided, as necessary.

Look out for native wildlife including the hen harrier, curlew and marsh fritillary butterfly.

Families with a sense of adventure will enjoy tooling around at Rally School Ireland. It is one of the leading motorsports facilities in Ireland, and activities take place under the expert guidance of David Smyth and his team.

Suitable for those aged 10 years and up, activities include; an adrenaline-fueled rally, supercar and drifting experiences on the purpose-built track in the beautiful surroundings of Scotstown.

Ballybay Town Park overlooks the gorgeous Lough Major. Here you will find an excellent playground and trails suitable for scooters and smaller children learning how to ride a bike.

Grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks, who are there during the holiday season and at weekends out of season, or pop into town for a bite to eat at Dinkin’s, an award-winning local bakery chain.

The park also boasts:

• Picnic tables
• Outdoor gym equipment
• A football/basketball court

There is a wide choice of accommodation for families who want to explore Monaghan at their leisure. These include guest houses, self-catering options and hotels to suit all budgets. Here are 3 great family friendly picks for you.

A warm welcome awaits families at The 4 Seasons Hotel in Monaghan Town. Prices for a night’s stay in a Family Suite, including breakfast and access to the award-winning 4Fit Leisure Club and pool start from just €150 per family per night.

The Hillgrove Hotel, also in Monaghan Town offers:

• Kids club facilities
• Cinema room
• Playground
• Swimming Pool

Prices for a family room  start from €155, including full Irish breakfast and complimentary use of the swimming pool.

The 4-star Nuremore Hotel & Country Club in Carrickmacross is the perfect base to explore all Monaghan has to offer.

Family breaks start from €199 per family for B&B, including a 2-course evening meal for the grown-ups. Prices are based on a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) sharing.

We hope you are inspired to put Monaghan on your family bucket list of places to visit and explore in Ireland.

For itineraries, activity suggestions, heritage sites, free things to do and more places to dine and stay, Monaghan Tourism has everything you need to plan the perfect trip.

Sleeps 6

Trag Retreat is a lovely self-catering cottage with a completely private, fenced in garden overlooking the sea. A private hot tub in the rear garden is elevated on wooden decking to maximise the stunning views.

Outside, the cottage looks very traditional, but inside has been renovated with all the amenities a family break may require – fully equipped open-plan kitchen with a wall of windows allowing the garden to be fully supervised, washing machine, dryer, wireless broadband, satellite TV, DVD player, and plenty more.

The cottage is ideally located just a short drive from the West Cork towns of Skibbereen, Baltimore and Castletownshend where you will find fantastic restaurants, food shops, art galleries, craft shops and historical sites.

Families looking for day trips and activities will enjoy a wide range of nearby water sports, as well as whale watching, walking, cycling, fishing, horse riding and the beautiful sandy Blue Flag Tragumna beach.

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Sleeps 8

Enjoy a truly authentic Irish experience while staying in the Dairy Lodge, on a working Kerrygold dairy farm, with plenty of other animals such as cows, calves, hens, cockerels, duck, dog and cats.

A bright, open living area, looks out across the lawn, green fields and up to the rolling Ballyhoura hills. The house is immensely child-friendly with a sky fort to play in in the garden and a fully enclosed back garden.

The Dairy Lodge makes an ideal central base for touring many of Ireland’s top tourist attractions. But if you fancy staying local, enjoy all this working dairy farm offers, including supervised farm trips and guided walks over the 120 acres of farm, and even a trip to the milking parlour where you can watch the cows being milked if you wish!

Sleeps 6

The Hobbit House is set within an eco friendly organic cider farm. Located in stunning North Leitrim, with Lough Allen in view and walking distance, the area offers adventure, discovery and natural beauty.

The Hobbit House’s grass roof and quirky round door entrance are reminiscent of The Hobbit. There are two handcrafted king size beds (which can also sleep as four singles), as well as two singles, so is perfect for large families.

Facilities are communal, including a fire pit, BBQ and traditional pizza oven.

Sleeps 5-6

The Glamping Truck is a quirky converted horse truck on a traditional Irish farm in The Burren, County Clare, just off the Wild Atlantic Way.

This cosy vintage horse truck has been permanently put to pasture and creatively transformed into unique farm accommodation. You get all the benefits of camping without any of the hardships!

Among the many animals over the farm gate of the small holding, you will meet Simone and her piglets – British Saddleback pigs that are free range, sociable and curious. Further afield is a small beef herd grazing year round and roaming hens. Not forgetting donkeys Ronny and Jules!

Sleeps 4

The Lodge at Hushabye Farm is a beautifully renovated stone cottage, tucked away in a quiet corner of a working Alpaca stud farm and set in the foothill of the Slieve Bloom mountains.

Guests are encouraged to access all the paddocks to engage with the alpacas, making this an absolute dream for kids (big and small!) to enjoy.

While there is no WiFi available in the cottage, this is an excellent opportunity to relax, spend time together and have the unique opportunity to walk an alpaca.

Sleeps 4

The Summer House is situated in a peaceful countryside setting, surrounded by mature gardens and looking out to the Paps mountains, and yet just three miles from the bustling town of Killarney.

The Summerhouse is a unique bright space which has a king size bed and 2 bunk beds, making it ideally suited to a family of four. The deck is fitted with Bluetooth speakers for listening to your favourite music while relaxing and taking in the beautiful views.

In the adjacent building, which is exclusively for use of guests at The Summer House, there is a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with a shower, and a second patio with a fire pit.

Sleeps 8

Crookedwood Farm is set in the heart of the Boyne Valley. This bright, spacious barn conversion offers a uniquely fun experience that allows guests to meet the friendly animals and explore the historical Boyne Valley. Sights include Newgrange, Slane Castle & Whiskey Distillery, Trim Castle and Loughcrew.

If you choose to spend time around the studio, there are shelves lined with books, loads of board games and DVDs to keep you amused. To keep you company on your stay are a series of rescued animals – Jimbob the donkey, Banjo & Lucky the Shetland ponies, Wilbur & Mr Pickles the pot bellied pigs, Figs the collie and his pal Mollie.

Sleeps 4

Just off the Wild Atlantic Way, the Burren Farm Log Cabin is modern, warm and bright. The cabin is ideal for families looking to explore the Burren Geopark, as well as towns and village along the Wild Atlantic Way such as Doolin, Lahinch, Ballyvaughan, Kinvara and Kilfenora.

There is a fully equipped kitchen, although a buffet breakfast is supplied, as is a pantry of essentials. A picnic hamper, blanket and chairs are also provided, and there is plenty of outside space to enjoy too.

High speed broadband makes this a work-friendly space. On wet days, Netflix and Amazon Prime are available on the TV, while board games are also on hand for family game night.

Sleeps 6

Fancy life on the high seas? Well, sort of! Try something completely different with a stay on a houseboat.

The Barge was built in 1999 and was the host’s family home for 10 years. It is easy to get to by car, and by train it’s only 30 minutes from Dublin city centre, with the train station only a few minutes’ walk away.

The houseboat is a great base for exploring Ireland’s Ancient East or day tripping to Dublin.

Sleeps 8

Heatherhill Farm Cottage is a lovely large house on an equestrian farm. It is a two minute walk to Letterfrack Village which has good pubs with Irish music, restaurants and shops, and beside Connemara National Park, Diamond Mountains and close to Kylemore Abbey and lots of white sandy beaches.

The equestrian farm is home to ponies, horses, pigs, sheep and hens. The stables and training arena are close to the houses and guests are welcome to watch the horses and ponies training for national and international competitions.

Situated in the most scenic part of Connemara, there is lots to do including fishing, golf, adventure sports, hill walking, visiting castles, abbeys, gardens and lots more.

Sleeps 7

This unique cabin is a real break from reality, with plenty of animals and activities to provide distraction. Guests will have access to the animals, once safety guidelines are obeyed. There is an adventure play area for kids and adults, the lake is available to view anytime, horses right outside the door, along with other interesting wildlife.

There are three bedrooms, a bathroom, living room, and a kitchen area. There is also a veranda with BBQ which is perfect for outdoor dining, as well as a campfire for evening entertainment.

Private tours with the animals for a one-on-one experience are available at an extra charge, where guests will receive the opportunity to have a close encounter and experience like no other.

Sleeps 4

The Coach House is situated on the Ring of Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way, set in 10 acres of woodlands and tropical gardens. This private garden estate overlooks Kenmare Bay, and is connected to miles of walkways through woodland, meadow, and tropical gardens.

The Coach House itself is surrounded by spectacular gardens with a heated pool (heated May to October), fire pit, grill and outdoor seating, which are all available for guests to use.

This property can be rented in conjunction with the Caretaker’s Cottage to sleep up to 10 people in total.

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When it comes to finding your ideal caravan or camping site, do your research and start planning your holidays as early as possible.

Many sites now offer online booking, making it even easier to secure your place.

Are you the family that wants loads of activities to entertain the kids and make new friends with other families? Well, there are a number of holiday parks that have daily activities and amenities on site.

Hidden Valley and River Valley in Wicklow are two of the top sites for activities. Enjoy the thrills and spills at the Splash Valley Aqua Park or the many other play areas on-site, including crazy golf, rock climbing, camps, kids club and more.

The International Outdoor Adventure Centre in Wexford also has their own Outdoor Adventure, where a trip on the High Ropes is not for the faint-hearted!

Westport House Caravan Park might be set within the grounds of the 400-acre Westport House estate, but it is packed with activities for all the family to enjoy in their adventure park.

Nore Valley in Kilkenny specialises in family activities where the kids can enjoy crazy golf, pedal go-karts and also feed the animals in the pet farm.

All of these caravan and camping parks have either mobile homes for hire or glamping, so just because you don’t have a caravan doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the thrills of these fabulous holiday parks.

A family holiday wouldn’t be complete without trips to the beach, making sandcastles and ducking under the waves in the sea. A day at the beach is only a short stroll from your caravan or motorhome with these sites that have direct access to many of Ireland’s top beaches.

Clifden Eco Beach Campsite nestles amongst the sand dunes on the western fringe of Connemara, Co. Galway, on the Wild Atlantic Way where you can access their own private sandy beach.

Keel Sandybanks Caravan & Camping Park on Achill is located on the Sandybanks overlooking Keel Beach one of Ireland’s finest beaches. Achill Island has 5 blue flag beaches and there is direct access from the campsite to the beach.

Rosguill Holiday Park, Downings, Co. Donegal is very family orientated located on the Rosguill Peninsula on the Wild Atlantic Way. Every pitch has a view of Mulroy Bay. The site has access to Golden Sandy Beach, while Tran a Rossan and Murder Hole beaches are only a short walk from the park.

One thing that you must bring with you when you are going on holidays is your bike. There are some great cycling trails and paths throughout the country where all the family can safely travel at leisure. You can cycle one of the many greenways or you might be lucky to stay on a site that has cycling and walking trails within the grounds.

Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, Roscommon and Curraghchase Park in Limerick both have caravan and camping grounds within the forest. Here you can pitch your tent or caravan under the tree canopy and enjoy the many trails and routes within the park.