Plan ahead to secure one of my family staycations over the October mid term break. I’ve hand-picked 3, 4 and 5-star family friendly Irish hotels with swimming pools to suit all tastes and budgets.
If you are thinking about family staycations over the October mid term break, now is the time to book to secure the best deal. All hotels listed below offer free cancellation, so you can always change your mind at a later date, but at least you have secured something now, for what is always peak family holiday time.
I understand that some of you are looking for cheap hotel deals, others might want a bit of luxury, and many are looking for self catering accommodation with hotel facilities. I have tried to cater for everyone and have some three, four and five-star options below – and all have swimming pools.
I have another post on luxury Airbnbs beside the sea for those who prefer the independence of a holiday home to a hotel.
Read: 25 Holiday homes beside the sea in Ireland available for Halloween break
All family staycations are based on a three-night family stay, some hotel rooms sleep up to four, while others up to five or six. Dates and durations can be changed to suit your requirements, simply click on the links below and edit the search dates accordingly.
Remember some facilities may not be available in October, and swimming pools, kids clubs etc, may only be available with prior reservation. Note, this post contains affiliate links where I receive a referral commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.
3-Star hotels for family staycations
1. Hotel Killarney, Kerry: Superior Family Room (4) €462; or Family Suite (5) €537
As well as being located in one of Ireland’s prettiest towns, the Hotel Killarney boasts a leisure centre, kids club and lots of outdoor activities. These large family suites sleep up to five and come with a kitchenette and dining area.
2. The Inn at Dromoland, Clare: Family Room (5) €373
Situated on the famous Dromoland Estate, The Inn at Dromoland offers endless outdoor walks over 450 acres of countryside. With Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher and beaches just a short drive away, there are plenty of options for outdoor pursuits, as well as an indoor pool with separate kids pool at the hotel. This is one of the best value family staycations for families of five.
Read: 50 hotels in Ireland with large family rooms
3. Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery, West Cork: Family Room (4) €385
Superbly located with sea views, it is no surprise that the Celtic Ross Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in West Cork for family staycations. West Cork is one of my favourite parts of Ireland – there are so many gorgeous beaches and walks to discover. If you don’t want to wander too far, the pretty village of Rosscarbery has ample pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Irish fare.
Kids will love the Smugglers Cove Adventure Centre and The Lagoon Activity Centre which are next door to the hotel, and there is a spa to keep the adults happy too! The family-owned hotel is renowned for its delicious locally sourced food and there is an artisanal food truck on the terrace for the perfect al fresco dining experience.
4. Springhill Court Hotel, Kilkenny: Family Room B&B (4) €377
The newly refurbished Springhill Court Hotel Kilkenny is very popular with families, thanks to the swimming pool with separate kids pool, kids club, and family friendly dining options. This super deal includes breakfast and free cancellation too. I visited Kilkenny last summer and loved it – there are so many things to do in Kilkenny with kids.
Read: Top things to do in Kilkenny with kids
5. The Park Hotel, Dungarvan, Waterford: Family Room B&B (4) €360
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The Park Hotel is located in one of Waterford’s prettiest towns, Dungarvan. It also boasts a leisure centre, extensive grounds and is ideally located within walking distance to the town centre and the Waterford Greenway. We loved cycling the Greenway during our tour of the Munster Vales, it it one of Ireland’s top outdoor attractions for families.
Top things to do in the Munster Vales
6. Claregalway Hotel, Galway: Family Room (5) €382
Located just 20 minutes from Galway City, within easy access to the Wild Atlantic Way, and with a leisure centre and large family rooms, this is a great value choice for family staycations.
4-Star hotels for family staycations:
7. Clonakilty Park Hotel, Cork: Family Room (4) €555; 2 bed apartment €615
This Clonakilty Park Hotel is one of the best family hotels in Ireland, thanks to its superb facilities. There is an award-winning leisure centre, a play zone with separate teen area, and a Kids Kamp usually operates during school holidays. A three-screen cinema, outdoor playground, high ropes and zip wire adventure centre, as well as family friendly dining options are also located within the complex.
8. Falls Hotel & Spa, Clare: Family Room (4) €450
As well as an award-winning spa, swimming pool and fitness centre on site, the Falls Hotel & Spa is ideally situated to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. With the Cliffs of Moher and the lively town of Doolin less than 15 minutes away, a stay at the Falls Hotel & Spa offers the best of both worlds.
You can also reduce your carbon footprint by staying here, The Falls Hotel & Spa gets its electricity from the river that runs alongside it. Self-Catering apartments are also available, and a kids club usually operates during school holidays.
View offer here
9. Riverside Park Hotel & Leisure Club, Wexford: Family Room (4) €267, Superior Room (5) €417
The Riverside Park Hotel and Leisure Club in Wexford is a popular choice for family breaks in Wexford. The leisure club with separate kids pool, and the lively Alamo Steakhouse prove popular with guests, as well as its close proximity to Curacloe Beach, the National Heritage Centre and Wells House and Gardens. Superior rooms are very spacious and some have individual TVs and headsets for children.
Read: Family breaks in Wexford at the Riverside Park Hotel
Read: 5 things to do in Wexford with kids
10. The Lakeside Hotel and Leisure Centre, Clare, Family Room (4) B&B: €594
Children will love the leisure centre at the Lakeside Hotel – the swimming pool has a 40 metre waterslide! Family rooms are spacious and come with a mini fridge and the hotel serves up complimentary milk and cookies at bedtime.
Located on the banks of the river Shannon, you can avail of Stand Up Paddle boarding, kayaking, mountain biking and lots more activities in the nearby University of Limerick Adventure Centre. The possibilities for day trips are endless, with Bunratty Folk Park, the Cliffs of Moher, a choice of beaches, and a local Chocolate factory, all close by.
Check prices here
11. Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel Killiney, Dublin: Family Room (4) €466
Matt Damon may have left Killiney, but he certainly shined a spotlight on this pretty Dublin village, and a stay in the 4-star Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is the perfect way to discover it. Overlooking Dublin Bay, you can choose to relax and enjoy its scenic location, or take the short train ride to Dublin city – this luxury hotel offers the best of both worlds.
12. Clayton Hotel Limerick: Superior Family Room €390
With the opportunities to explore Limerick, Kerry and Clare all on your doorstep, as well as a leisure centre with a 12 metre pool, this hotel is the perfect choice for a family staycation over the Halloween break. The Clayton Hotel Limerick is well known for its contemporary style and delicious food – don’t miss its vitality breakfast in the morning.
13. Ardilaun Hotel, Galway: Family Room €478
Located in a secluded setting, yet only 1km from Galway city centre, the Ardilaun offers the best of both worlds. The spacious gardens and the choice of award-winning dining options are sure to please. There is a leisure centre, swimming pool and kids club on site, and pets are also welcome.
14. Millpark Hotel, Co. Donegal: Family room (4) B&B €564
Located close to Donegal town, with some of Ireland’s best beaches and the Wild Atlantic Way on your doorstep, this is a great choice for family staycations in Ireland. There is a swimming pool, children’s pool, sauna, and state-of-the-art gym onsite, as well as a choice of dining options.
15. Kilronan Castle Hotel & Spa, Roscommon: Family Room (4) B&B €642
When you drive through the medieval gates of the 18th century Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa, you are bound to be impressed by its beauty. The 50 acres of gardens, woodlands and lake, also add to its fairytale-like appearance.
Originally a royal family home, it has been transformed into a luxurious Irish castle hotel, and boasts fine dining and a luxury spa. Its location close to the hugely popular Lough Key Forest Park and the Wild Atlantic Way ensures lots of options for family days out. This is one of those family staycations that both adults and children will love. This super deal includes breakfast too.
16. Diamond Coast Hotel, Sligo: Family Room B&B (4) €497 ; Family Room (5) €507
Located close to one of the best beaches in Ireland, the Diamond Coast Hotel is one of the best places to stay on the Wild Atlantic Way. There are a host of water sports available and the family friendly hotel has a Kids Club that usually operates during school holidays, – this is suitable for older kids and teens too. This is the only hotel on this list that does not have a swimming pool onsite, however, the Water Point Aqua Park is only five minutes drive away.
The Diamond Coast Hotel is one of the most popular hotels with large family rooms in Ireland – the rooms can sleep up to 8! They are equipped with two smart TVs with child friendly apps, a fridge, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Read: 50 hotels in Ireland with large family rooms
Read: Best places to stay on the Wild Atlantic Way
17. Hilton Belfast TemplePatrick Golf & Country Club, Antrim: Family Room (4) €359
Hilton Belfast Templepatrick is ideally located in a countryside setting, but is just 20 minutes from Belfast City Centre and the Causeway Coast. There is a golf course, pool, spa and gym available and a choice of dining options. Family deluxe rooms can accommodate two adults and four children – this is one of the few hotels with large family rooms in Northern Ireland.
Read: A magical few days on the Causeway Coast
5-Star hotels for family staycations
18. Druids Glen Resort, Wicklow: Deluxe Family Room €660
We were fortunate to stay in the luxurious Druids Glen Hotel a few years ago and loved it. The grounds, the pool, and the close proximity to Dublin made it a perfect getaway break for us. I wrote my review of Druids Glen Hotel for Groupon, but it has lots of information about the family facilities in the hotel that you may find useful.
Read: My review of Druids Glen Hotel & Resort
View offer here
19. Mount Juliet Estate, Kilkenny: Family Room B&B €725
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Mount Juliet is one of the best value options for a five-star family staycation in Ireland. We stayed here last year and had a fantastic experience. The grounds, the facilities and the choice of dining options are superb.
I was surprised at the extensive children’s activities available in Mount Juliet. There is a large playground with a zip line, as well as a fairy trail located in the gardens. Extensive kids clubs usually operate during school holidays, (extra charge applies), so parents can enjoy a round of golf or spa treatment while the kids avail of the supervised activities.
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There is also a leisure centre and equestrian centre which we loved. I tried horse riding for the first time with my daughter Alex and it was fabulous! We trotted past the Manor House, through the woods and along side the golf course – it is an experience I would highly recommend.
Read: My review of Mount Juliet Estate
Read: Top things to do in Kilkenny with kids
20. Intercontinental Hotel, Dublin, Family Room (5) €918
The Intercontinental is one of Dublin’s best 5-Star Resort hotels. Located in the upmarket neighbourhood of Ballsbridge, and within walking distance of the city centre, the location is ideal for a family staycation. The Wellness area with the award winning ESPA is the perfect place to relax, and children will love the 14 meter pool and its proximity to Dublin’s top attractions.
We enjoyed a family stay here over Christmas and loved it – the rooms are so spacious and we loved the choice of dining options.
Self catering options for staycations over October mid term break:
21. Mulranny Park Hotel, Mayo: 2 bedroom Apartment (5) B&B €732
The Mulranny Park Hotel boasts an idyllic location overlooking Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick Mountain, and also happens to be located on most scenic section of Great Western Greenway. The Blue Flag Mulranny Beach is on your doorstep but I would also recommend taking a trip to Achill to discover some of Ireland’s hidden beaches.
The Mulranny Park Hotel has an indoor leisure centre and Great Fun Club which usually operates during summer holidays. These two-bedroom apartment suites sleep up to five and breakfast is included in the cost of your stay.
Read: Top 10 things to do in Mayo
22. Westlodge Hotel & Leisure Centre, Bantry, Cork: 2 bedroom cottage €425
Set in 30 acres of gardens, yet close to Bantry town, The Westlodge Hotel is superb value for a family staycation over the Halloween break. The indoor pool, games room and pitch and putt course are a big hit with families, as is its close proximity to West Cork and the Wild Atlantic Way.
23. Talbot Suites at Stonebridge, Wexford: 2 bedroom (4) €480; 3 bedroom (6) €690
Rated number 1 on TripAdvisor the luxurious Talbot Suites at Stonebridge is a super choice for families looking for large modern apartments in the heart of Wexford Town. Guests have access to the swimming pool and Talbot Quay Leisure Centre and the facilities of the Talbot Hotel Wexford. Larger apartments that sleep six and seven are also available.
Read: 5 things to do in Wexford with kids
24. Clifden Station House, Galway: 2 bedroom apartment (4) €646
This unique hotel was once an old railway station. It has been beautifully restored and manages to combine the old brick and native oak with modern furnishings. Its location in the upmarket town of Clifden is ideal for anyone who wants shops, bars and restaurants close by, but also wants to get out and about and explore the rugged coastline of Connemara.
The four-star, two and three-bedroom apartments are a great choice for groups or families. All guests get full use of the hotel facilities including the swimming pool and leisure facilities, and the Railway Kids Club usually operates during holiday periods.
25. Quilty Holiday Cottages, Clare: 3 bedroom home (6) €560
The traditional Quilty Holiday Cottages are located on Clare’s coast and offer panoramic views on the Atlantic Ocean. Imagine walking the Cliffs of Moher, and returning to an open fire in your cottage – bliss! These three-bedroom homes sleep up to six and offer complimentary access to the indoor swimming pool and tennis courts.
See more here Type A
See more here Type B
Nearby Caherush Lodge is a four-bedroom house that also shares the indoor heated pool with Quilty Holiday Cottages residents. This can also be rented on Airbnb and it sleeps up to ten people. I have a dedicated post on Airbnbs by the sea that are available for the October mid term break.
Read: 25 Holiday homes beside the sea available for the October mid term break
I hope this post on family staycations will help you plan a nice family trip in Ireland over the Halloween break. It is important to note that some of the facilities / activities listed may not be operating to full capacity – please check with individual hotel for clarification. I always recommend booking a room with free cancellation incase there are any changes to the listed facilities that may not suit you.
These Irish hotel deals were researched across various hotel booking sites. When you make a booking you do so via a third party website. Prices are correct at the time of publishing but may change. Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you. Read more in my privacy policy.
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Sarah
