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Although Halloween officially marks the start of winter, there is still plenty of daylight there and it is refreshing to be out and about in the crisp air.
With the kids off school and the elements (for the most part – hopefully) still in your favour, it is the perfect time to take a mid-term break.
There are plenty of luxurious hotels around the country which offer the perfect warm and comfortable compliment to the transitioning autumn/winter weather.
From the midlands to the south west and east, we’ve got some great mid-term break options for you.
The County Arms Hotel
The County Arms Hotel, Birr, owned and managed by the Loughnane family for three generations.
Located within 90 minutes of Dublin, Galway and Limerick in the heritage town of Birr, the County Arms Hotel is set on nine acres of open space and lavish gardens.
A superbly restored Georgian house, the hotel is family-owned and has been run by the Loughnane family for over 57 years. It places great emphasis on service and quality of food.
The County Arms is just a five-minute walk from Birr town. In the hotel you will be perfectly situated to enjoy this heritage town which has attractions such as Birr Castle. This castle is world renowned for its gardens and also as a new science centre, as well as the largest tree house in Ireland.
Riverside walks, Georgian malls, interesting cafes, small shops and boutiques will ensure your time spent in Birr is memorable.
Offaly as a whole is a hidden gem, with a choice of attractions and activities for all visitors, from the adventure seekers to the young and young at heart.
These attractions include Birr Outdoor Centre, Lough Boora Parklands and of course not forgetting the Slieve Bloom Mountains for hiking.
The culturally curious must not miss Clonmacnoise and Tullamore Dew, all within 20 minutes of the County Arms.
The Sneem Hotel
Situated on the Ring of Kerry, the four-star Sneem Hotel is a great destination for a family break away.
The hotel’s mid-term packages offer two-, three- and four-night breaks in a family room, with a full Irish breakfast each morning and dinner for all the family on the evenings of your choice.
But best of all, up to two children (aged 12 or under) stay free with meals included.
There is also a host of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Kids can enter our Halloween colouring competition, enjoy scary movie nights, spooky storytelling and lots more Halloween fun.
Throughout the Halloween season there will be loads of events for visitors and locals alike to enjoy around Sneem.
From October 26 at 8am to November 3 at 5pm the Scarecrow on the Green Festival will take place. Some of the fun activities will include, scary face painting, lantern making, a scarecrow-making competition and trick or treating with the locals
People will also be able to enjoy the Kenmare Halloween Howl. This famous nine-day festival is packed with spooky fun including the Haunted house, Spooky Slime workshop and a Monster Halloween disco.
The Johnstown Estate
Get swept away in the magic of the enchanted Johnstown Estate in Co Meath this Halloween with a family break, and enjoy some spooky fun for everyone.
Little guests can enjoy Halloween activities at the kids club and explore the fairy trail, parklands and playground.
For those who want to relax, the Johnstown Estate has everything you desire. Recharge your batteries in the award-winning Elemis Signature Spa and discover its new stylish little sister, Gloss at the Spa.
Take advantage of their 30,000 sq foot leisure centre complete with a 20-metre swimming pool, kids pool, Jacuzzi and Canadian hot tub, or indulge in some of the finer things in life such as afternoon tea.
The Halloween family special package starts at €495 for two nights based on a family of two adults and two children. This includes bed and breakfast with dinner on one evening, as well as a family pass to Dublin Zoo.
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