For many, the February midterm marks the end of winter. The “grand stretch in the evening” is officially noticeable and the weather (hopefully) has taken a turn for the better too.

With the long winter months behind them and kids off school, many like to take this time of year as an opportunity to get away for a few days.

If that sounds good to you, we have some great hotel packages for you to consider.

Springhill Court Hotel, Kilkenny

The family owned Springhill Court Hotel, Co Kilkenny, is situated on the N10 Waterford Road, making it easily accessible from all major approach routes.

Recently refurbished, the hotel’s 85 en suite bedrooms have all the facilities and comfort needed for some enjoyable and uplifting time away from home for all the family.

Delve into total relaxation in the Leisure Club’s jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. Guests can also enjoy access to the fully equipped gym and 19m deck-level swimming pool.

Not leaving out the smaller members of the family, there are plenty of fun things to do with a kid’s pool, outdoor playground and Lenny the Lion’s Kids’ Club, which operates every evening during school holidays.

There are a variety of dining options and delicious menus available in Oscar’s Bistro, Kupp Café and the Paddock Bar, which also hosts live music most evenings. For more information visit springhillcourt.com, email reservations@springhillcourt.com or call 056-772 1122.

The Johnstown Estate, Co Meath

The Johnstown Estate.

An independently owned hotel, the Johnstown Estate is driven by the values of excellence, warmth, service, comfort, great food and above all, attention to detail.

The team at the Johnstown Estate pride themselves on the hotel’s elegant and charming design, its authentic country welcome and its location in the centre of Ireland.

The hotel’s Fabulous Fifties package offers the opportunity to relax and enjoy the comfort of an executive room, combined with stunning outside surroundings and an impressive array of facilities.

The package includes overnight accommodation in an executive room, afternoon tea, a two-course dinner in the Coach House Bar, a newspaper delivered to your room the next morning, a full Irish breakfast and complimentary use of the Leisure Club.

For more information and booking call the team on 046-954 0000 or email reservations@thejohnstownestate.com.

The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney

The Gleneagle Hotel.

If it is dancing you’re looking for this spring, then the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney is the one for you. For over 60 years the Gleneagle Hotel has been hosting a selection of dancing breaks aimed at keeping you on your toes in a fun, relaxed and sociable setting.

Centred around their legendary ballroom, these breaks include nightly dances with some of Ireland’s favourite dance bands.

Also included in these packages is the use of the hotel’s extensive leisure facilities, including a 25m swimming pool, squash and tennis courts and pitch and putt. That said, these are just the activities the hotel provides, imagine what 25,000ac of Killarney National Park has in store for you.

The Gleneagle Hotel’s upcoming dancing breaks include:

  • The Social Dancing Week, 22-27 March. This includes either four or five nights’ bed and breakfast and nightly evening meals, including a gala dinner.
  • The Lisdoonvarna Reunion Festival, 17-19 April. It will be hosted by Albert and Cecily Lawlor. Two- and three-night packages are available.
  • The Irish Country Music Festival, 26 April to 1 May, will have country music lovers spoilt for choice at this country music and dancing break. Four- and five-night packages are available.
  • For further information or to book call 064-6671 550 or log onto www.gleneaglehotel.com