Castlemartyr Resort, Co Cork

It’s rare that you get five-star luxury and family-friendly under one roof, but Castlemartyr does that and more. Children are really looked after here and will be thrilled with the VIP treatment of mini bathrobes and slippers, treats, a DVD selection and cupboards full of games. The meal options are great too, with a choice of three restaurants, including Franchini’s Italian, which has a really good children’s menu and a playroom right off from the dining room. If you decide to have a “staycation” this year instead of a holiday abroad, then the three-night package is ideal. You will have all the elements of a traditional family holiday in Ireland, with that extra special bit of luxury thrown in. The package starts at €220 per night and includes daily breakfast, complimentary kids’ club activities, dinner in the elegant Bell Tower Restaurant on one evening for the adults, and family meals are included for the second and third evenings. For something extra special, the August bank holiday Monday sees Castlemartyr host the John Saul Picnic and Vintage Fair. Jam-packed with entertainment, including puppet shows, face painters, teddy bears’ hospital and a best-dressed competition for those in period costumes, this promises to be a really unique day out.

www.castlemartyrresort.ie or call 021-421-9000.

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Springhill Court Hotel, Kilkenny

Even though this hotel is right on Kilkenny city’s doorstep, you’ll find it hard to leave the comfort of the Springhill Court, especially as the children will be enjoying themselves so much. We know our kids’ clubs, and this one is renowned for its great range of activities and friendly staff. For the summer holidays, the club has a full schedule of events taking place each day. In the morning, little ones will be whisked off to the pool for a splash about, followed by a trip to the club room where a variety of workshops are arranged, including pizza making classes and cook-along demonstrations with the hotel chef. In the evenings, they’ll be entertained with arts and crafts and, on selected nights, there is even a disco. After all that energy-blasting fun, they can relax with a movie and popcorn. Meanwhile, this leaves plenty of time for parents to chill out and get some much-deserved down time at the spa. We think this hotel is a great location for large family gatherings as it has something for everyone and the access to Kilkenny city is really ideal. The early-bird offer runs until 4 July and offers midweek accommodation from €128.50 per person for three nights, including breakfast, one four-course evening meal for adults, free leisure centre access and free kids’ club.

www.springhillcourt.com or call 056-772-1122.

Leenane Hotel, Connemara, Co Galway

Nestled among the beautiful hills of Connemara is Ireland’s only glacial fjord, making Killary Bay a must-see location. Leenane hotel is based in the middle of this romantic and unspoiled region, so it’s a great base for fantastic and romantic road trips. It may be 200 years old, but this coaching inn has been modernised and refurbished, making it really comfortable and providing excellent, locally-sourced food to top it all off. If it’s too cold to take a dip outside (it is a fjord after all), Leenane has the most inviting saltwater seaweed baths. Picture yourself in warm saltwater and natural seaweed while overlooking Killary Harbour. If you’re brave enough to brace the elements, the kids (and the big kids) will love the new all-weather catamaran which now sets sail four times daily out to the mouth of the harbour. Add in sandy beaches, brilliant gorse, fuschia and rhododendron hedges and the renowned hotel flower garden, and this place is unforgettable whatever your interests are.

www.leenanehotel.com or call 095-422-49.

Heritage Golf & Spa Resort, Portlaoise, Co Laois

We recommend this as a great place to bring the family if you have children of varied ages. There really is something for everyone. Toddlers will be kept busy in the playroom, children over four can hang out in the kids’ fun club and for the teenagers there’s a Wii room, tennis courts and more. And if that’s not enough to keep them entertained, the Heritage hotel has so much to explore right on its doorstep. The Emo House and Gardens is lovely for a picnic on a sunny day and Kildare Village will appeal to the bargain hunters. For the golfers in the group, the course at the Heritage is known for having top-quality greens. In terms of value, the three-night midweek deal for families is hard to beat, especially considering the five-star grading of the hotel. For €749 per family of two adults and three children up to 15 years of age, you get two interconnecting rooms, daily breakfast, dinner on one evening, free kids’ club, and a complimentary pass to The National Stud and Gardens. Not to mention access to so many activities and lots of tasty dining options in the Sol Oriens Italian Restaurant and Steakhouse, The Arlington Room and The Slieve Bloom Bar. The Clubhouse also offers dining options from The Spike Bar and Lounge.

www.theheritage.com or call 057-864-5500.

Pillo Hotel & Spa, Galway

We think the biggest appeal of this hotel has to be the location – it is just a few minutes’ walk to the heart of Galway city, which has lots to offer families with its bustling streets of entertainers, shops and restaurants. It also offers special discount rates for guests into many of Galway’s family attractions, including the Salthill Aquarium and the Planet Bowling Centre. And when all the sightseeing is done, the hotel provides comfortable rooms for families to relax and recharge. The kids’ club will keep the younger members amused, while mum and dad can unwind with a treatment in the spa or a drink in the Point Bar. The Olive Tree Bistro restaurant always gets rave reviews and the children’s menu has a really good selection to choose from. Also duly noted is that every report we’ve heard about this spot has included just how friendly and helpful the staff are. We think the free parking for guests deserves a mention too, as it’s a great amenity and doesn’t come cheap in the city centre.

www.theheritage.com or call 091-513-200.

Amber Springs Hotel, Gorey, Co Wexford

We love it when we find a hotel that caters for children but doesn’t scrimp on comfort – Amber Springs offers just that. The rooms are big, the food is tasty and, most of all, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained. There’s an indoor playroom at the back of the hotel so a bit of rain won’t spoil the fun, and when the sun is shining the play park, complete with mini golf, go-karting, pet farm and Amber train, will give them hours of entertainment. For the parents, the spa is the perfect place to unwind. It’s very clean and is fully equipped with a pool, sauna and steam room. The resounding thing we notice when we visit Amber Springs is that the staff have the patience of saints. Be it the kids’ club supervisors or the breakfast servers, they are always smiling and happy to help with anything. Breaks start from €139 per person sharing for two nights B&B and dinner. There is a small supplement for children.

www.amberspringshotel.ie or call 053-94-84000.