The kids are firmly settled back into school and that can only mean one thing – the countdown to midterm break is on! With restrictions finally easing, now’s the perfect time to start researching hotels for families. We’ve done the hard work for you and selected our top family-friendly picks for an autumn staycation in Munster.
The ultimate choice when it comes to hotel stays for families in west Cork, Clonakilty Park Hotel has it all. From toddlers to teens, there’s no room for boredom here!
Activities on site include a fully supervised jungle gym, 3-screen cinema, swimming pool, outdoor pirate ship and high ropes adventure centre, mini golf, and much more. The week of mid term break promises nightly fun-filled activities from bingo and fancy dress toTik Tok. Choose from large family rooms or self-catering apartments and houses.
Family-Friendly Things To Do Nearby:
- Clonakilty Railway Village
- Smugglers Cove
- Cape Clear Island
- Inchydoney Beach
The newly refurbished Lahinch Coast Hotel is set against the stunning backdrop of the Wild Atlantic Way. Discover miles of sandy beaches along the coast of Clare with the entire family this mid-term break.
Lahinch Coast Hotel is proud to be an Autism Aware Hotel, meaning the management team will be happy to help in advance of your arrival by assisting with any specific requests you may have.
Deluxe suites cater for up to six people, featuring a kitchenette and living area. Standard rooms are suited to couples with a toddler or small child.
Family-Friendly Things To Do Nearby:
- Blue Flag Lahinch Beach
- Kids playground
- Cliffs of Moher
- The Burren
- Father Ted’s House
If you’re searching for stress-free convenience and comfort, the Dromhall Hotel Killarney is calling your name. Situated on the cusp of the town centre and only a short walk from the INEC, the Dromhall Hotel is the perfect choice for families. A wide range of room options cater to families of all sizes, including interconnecting rooms for those travelling with a second family or those with more than three children. Full access to Club Sante swimming pool facilities is given to all guests.
Family-Friendly Things To Do Nearby:
- Torc Waterfall
- Muckross House & Gardens
- INEC
- The Nike Factory Store
- Horse & Trap Ride
- Ring of Kerry
A four-star family-friendly hotel in the vibrant seaside town of Kinsale, Actons is an ideal retreat for young and old at any time of the year. Spacious and stylish family rooms await; don’t forget to request for special additions should you require them; like an in-room fridge, bath, travel cot or camp bed. The 15 metre pool and playground next door to the hotel will entertain the kids when you are not busy exploring the surrounding area.
Family-Friendly Things To Do Nearby:
- Charles Fort
- Garrettstown Beach and Surf School
- Footgolf Kinsale
- Amusements during summer months
- Oysterhaven Water Activity Centre
- Dunmore House Hotel, Clonakilty, West Cork
With breathtaking views outwards of the Wild Atlantic Way, Dunmore House Hotel is a family-run hotel full of heart and personality. The team is renowned for their stellar customer service for over 70 years. When it comes to hotel stays for families, allow their family to look after yours. The best part? All family rooms boast stunning ocean views!
Family-Friendly Things To Do Nearby:
- Inchydoney Beach & Surf School
- Clonakilty Railway Village
- Smugglers Cove
- Horse Riding
- Numerous walks and trails
The epitome of sleek sophistication, The River Lee Hotel is ideal for families with children who are slightly older or for a mummy and daughter getaway. A spot of brunch and blooms will make the perfect backdrop for their Instagram or Tik Tok profile. For those with younger kids, the hotel acts as the perfect base to explore the best of what the rebel county has to offer. Families staying at The River Lee will enjoy complimentary access to the pool facilities, kids’ activity packs, a healthy children’s menu option PLUS a Fun Family Package with passes to Fota Wildlife Park or Rumley’s Farm.
Family-Friendly Things To Do Nearby:
- Fitzgerald’s Park
- Cork City Gaol
- The English Market
- Crawford Art Gallery
- Fota Wildlife Park
- Rumley’s Farm
Magically set amongst the mountains of Kerry, Parknasilla Resort offers everything for the ultimate Irish staycation this autumn. With restrictions easing, the Courtyard Lodges and Woodland Villas are perfectly suited to trips with extended family and friends. With over 500 acres of estate parkland to adventure, enjoy the many mapped nature trails, kayaking, tennis, swimming, cycling, fairy trail, fun golf, on-site playground, Meet the Owls experience and so much more. Curate your perfect family staycation now.
Family-Friendly Things To Do Nearby:
- Derryquin Castle
- The Ring of Kerry & Moll’s Gap
- Hiking & walking trails
Your private island staycation awaits. Autumn at Waterford Castle is a whimsical affair. Set amidst 300 acres and bursting with unique character, there will be an abundance of planned activities for Halloween and mid-term break 2021. From spooktacular treasure hunts and walks through the pumpkin passage, to autumn afternoon tea for the adults. Autumn is the prime season for bird watching and viewing the estate’s wild Sika deer. Accommodation ranges from luxurious castle suites to family lodges with all the mod-cons required for your staycation.
Family-Friendly Things To Do Nearby:
- Visit Tramore
- Cycle the Waterford Greenway
- 18 hole golf course
- King of Vikings VR Experience
- The Pottery Place
- Glow in the Dark Mini Golf at Pirates Adventure
Castle Oaks is a stunning Georgian manor sitting on the banks of the river Shannon. Set in 26 acres of gardens and with a newly renovated leisure centre, fairy trail and outdoor dining space, it is the ideal base for a summer 2021 staycation. Self-catering at Castle Oaks presents itself in the form of self-contained apartments on the hotel grounds. The Courtyard Suites host two bedrooms and are ideal for medium to longer term family stays.
Family-Friendly Things To Do Nearby:
- Bunratty Castle
- The Burren
- Lough Derg
- Cliffs of Moher
- University of Limerick
Located in Clonmel, the family-run Hotel Minella is nestled by the Comeragh Mountains in a riverside setting. Self-catering options at Hotel Minella includes two and three-bedroom courtyard lodges. The leisure centre features a 20 metre pool and there is also an on-site playground to keep the kids entertained.
Family-Friendly Things To Do Nearby:
- The Rock of Cashel
- Cahir Castle
- Mitchelstown Caves
- Fethard Horse Country Experience
Sitting on the outskirts of Bantry town, Westlodge Hotel & Leisure Centre boasts 30 acres of gardens and a 16m swimming pool. Choose from deluxe family rooms or homely self-catering cottages during your stay. Enjoy nightly summer entertainment for all the family at Westlodge Hotel & Leisure Centre.
Family-Friendly Things To Do Nearby:
- Visit Bere Island
- Blueway Trail; canoe or kayak Bantry Bay & Whiddy Island
- Bantry House and Gardens
- Visit Glengarriff and Garnish Island
- Fernhill House Hotel, Clonakilty
Owned and run by the O’Neill family, Fernhill House Hotel is full of tradition and memories. The spectacular landscaped gardens offer a world of exploration for smaller children plus make a beautiful backdrop for an annual staycation family photo. Rooms at Fernhill House Hotel are modern and spacious. With excellent attention to detail, your family will be looked after from the moment you book until you check out.
Family-Friendly Things To Do Nearby:
- Clonakilty Railway Village
- Smugglers Cove
- Cape Clear Island
- Inchydoney Beach & Surf School
- Galley and Mizen Head Lighthouses
- Michael Collins Tour
The ultimate Co Kerry destination when it comes to hotel stays for families. Every detail at Manor West Hotel is family centric, from the 18m swimming pool with complimentary use of arm bands, floats and paddle boards, to the on-site storage for those travelling with bicycles. Highlights include The Den, a children’s play area filled to the brim with toys, colouring books and fun activities and the home style cinema which plays host to Manor West Movie nights. Choose from bunk bed style rooms or interconnecting family suites during your staycation in The Kingdom.
Family-Friendly Things To Do Nearby:
- Kellys Bay Rope Bridge
- Ballyseedy Wood Walk
- Aquadome
- Banna Beach
- Kerry County Museum
In the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle, family and mid-term breaks start from €195 per night at the Tower Hotel. Overlooking the marina, the hotel serves as an excellent base for families road tripping along Ireland’s Ancient East. Enjoy spacious and comfortable family rooms with access to the leisure centre’s 20m pool for the entire clan.
Family-Friendly Things To Do Nearby:
- Viking VR Experience
- Christchurch Cathedral
- Ardmore Pet Farm
- Visit Tramore
- Cycle the Waterford Greenway
Have recommendations? We’d love to hear your tips for family-friendly mid-term break activities in Munster. Submit your tips and reviews in the comment section below or share with us on Instagram @thefamilyedit
