21 Jul 2020
Posted by AA Roadwatch 
Written by Fiona Frawley
It’s been an interesting few months for parents and kids alike, but home-school’s finally out for the summer! Some of us may have excelled more than others in the parent-come-teacher role but if there’s one thing we’ve collectively learned, it’s that 2020 is the year of the family staycation. Time to pack up the swimming togs, the raincoats and about 18 extra pairs of fluffy socks, and prepare for the ever-changing weather extravaganza that is an Irish Summer! From the tip top of Donegal to the most southerly points of Cork, there are so many uncovered gems to explore on our lovely island, and this blog will take you through some of the top spots for keeping the whole family entertained. We’ve got outdoor activities, evening entertainment and kids clubs in abundance, so adventure seekers of all ages are covered! Remember that if you’ve pre-booked accommodation for two nights or more in Ireland, AA Travel Insurance will cover you for extra piece of mind.
Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa, Donegal
Located in the heart of Ballyliffin Village, this hotel features obvious attractions for parents such as easy access to Ballyliffin Golf Club and stunning views of Malin Head. A supervised kids club is available each evening during the school holidays and will keep kids entertained while parents enjoy an eagerly anticipated pint of plain (or whatever you’re having yourself). As well as the kids club, there’s also:
- an eco-friendly playground within walking distance of the hotel overlooking Pollan Beach.
- Leisureland Redcastle, an indoor fun park open 7 days a week for the summer months within a 30-minute drive.
- Donegal Airsoft, also a 30-minute drive offering airsoft, archery, and crazy golf with prices from €5 per person.
- Inishowen Surf Club, giving group and individual lessons to adults and kids.
Center Parcs, Longford
Lodge accommodation and apartments set by a beautiful lake, a sandy beach and a forest to explore; you’ll never want to leave Center Parcs. The list of available activities seems endless, with bike hire, tennis, watersports, aerial activities, bowling and laser tag all on the agenda; not to mention the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Spa which are due to reopen at the end of July. The Swimming Paradise is heated to 29.5C all year round and will have you feeling like you got away for a bit of sunshine on the continent after all.
Delphi Adventure Resort, Galway
Offering a variety of accommodation options depending on your budget, the Delphi Adventure Centre boasts an impressive array of land and water activities from surfing to cycling, zip-lining to kayaking. If you can manage to squeeze in a bit of grown up time there’s also an adults-only spa, yoga and wellness classes and the 814 Restaurant, which boasts views of the rugged Connemara landscape.
The Inn at Dromoland, Clare
A 15-minute drive from Ennis sits The Inn at Dromoland, a family-friendly hotel on the 450-acre Dromoland Castle Estate. Explore the grounds with the kids to find the Fairy Garden, play a round of crazy golf or ship them off to the indoor play area, complete with ball pit. Less than an hour in the car and you can reach an impressive list of attractions for all the family to enjoy, including:
- Bunratty Castle and Folk Park: a living reconstruction of the homes and community of Ireland over a hundred years ago.
- The Cliffs of Moher: an essential stop off for any Irish staycation.
- Lahinch Surf School: offering lessons, rentals and summer camps for kids and teenagers.
- The Burren National Park: perfect for exploring.
Trabolgan Holiday Village, Cork
Trabolgan is an institution of Irish family holidays, in fairness. An obvious attraction is the indoor “pool paradise” with waterslides and panoramic views of the Atlantic. Available activities encompass everything from zip lining to crazy golf, and families can enjoy free entertainment in the evenings from a star-studded cast including Peppa Pig. Form an orderly queue please. Fota Wildlife Park and the popular Spike Island Tour are also both within a 30-minute drive.
Hookless Holiday Homes, Wexford
These self-catering holiday homes sit on the beautiful Hook Peninsula and are just a short walk away from the secluded Sandeel Bay. Onsite amenities include a playground, tennis courts and sports pitches, with sea kayaking, kite surfing and coasteering all available on the nearby beaches. Hookless is also a pet-friendly site, so furry family members can also get a break away from the humdrum of every-day life.
Mount Juliet, Kilkenny
Last but not least, the AA Hotel of the Year 2020, Mount Juliet, is not only the luxurious treat we all deserve after a rough few months, but also a brilliant option for families! The kids will be kept busy with the kids club, swimming lessons, junior golf, archery and horse riding; while the adults can relax at the newly refurbished health club and maybe even avail of a treatment or two. It’s our Hotel of the Year for a reason after all.
So there you go, now you’re ready to set off on your merry way to whatever corner of the country you desire! Before you hit the road, don’t forget to carry out these car safety checks, and check out our blog post on child restraint systems to ensure the tots are buckled up safely.
For added protection, AA Travel Insurance will cover you for two or more pre-booked nights in Ireland, meanwhile AA Members can call for breakdown assistance no matter the time or place.
Written by Fiona Frawley
